Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# The United Reformed Church in South Leeds

What we are about

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [News/Daily Devotions](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/news-2/) - Belle Isle and Dewsbury Road Leeds United Reformed Church
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 14 August 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-14-august-2026/) - Theology and Money Matthew 6:19–21, 24 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there
- [Feast of Creation in Christ](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/feast-of-creation-in-christ/) - The Feast of Creation in Christ Dear ,General Assembly this year commended the observance of the new Feast of Creation in Christ to be observed on the first Sunday of September each year and to create and curate resources. I'm pleased to say that there is a suite of resources on the Worship Notes page
- [URC Daily Devotion for Wednesday, 12 August 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-wednesday-12-august-2026/) - 1 Timothy 6:6–10 Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped
- [URC Daily Devotion for Tuesday, 11 August 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-tuesday-11-august-2026/) - Acts 8:14–22 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized
- [Resources](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/resources/) - Resources Dear Friends,Having been back from sabbatical for 6 weeks now I think I'm starting to catch up! I wanted to remind you of various resources we offer, and how to access them.First, you'll know there's a service which goes out by email every Sunday morning. You get the text via email and a link to
- [Theology and Money](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/theology-and-money/) - Theology and Money Dear Friends,I hope you found David Cornick's two week exploration of Reformed spirituality rewarding. (Remember if you've not read his Letting God Be God book it's still around on various online bookshops). We turn now to a new series.Money, they say, makes the world go round. Our societies are structured on money,
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday, 8 August 2026 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-8-august-2026-2026/) - Saturday, 8 August 2026 A Marian Spirituality Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings,
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday, 7 August 2026 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-7-august-2026-2026/) - Friday, 7 August 2026An Ecumenical Spirituality John 17:20-24 Jesus said “‘I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday, 6 August 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-6-august-2026/) - Thursday, 6 August 2026 A Catholic Spirituality Ephesians 2: 11-22 So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called ‘the uncircumcision’ by those who are called ‘the circumcision’—a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands — remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday, 5 August 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-5-august-2026/) - Proverbs 8:22-31 The Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was
- [URC Daily Devotion 4 August 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-4-august-2026/) - Reformed Spirituality: A Spirituality letting God be God. Exodus 3: 13-15But Moses said to God, ‘If I come to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your ancestors has sent me to you”, and they ask me, “What is his name?” what shall I say to them?’ God said to Moses, ‘I am who
- [URC Daily Devotion 3 Aug 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-3-aug-2026/) - Reformed Spirituality: An Ecological Spirituality. John 2: 1-11On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said
- [Sunday Service 2 August 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-2-august-2026/) - Welcome and Introduction We have much about wresting in our readings today – wrestling brothers in a conflict-ridden family, and a cunning rather deceitful man wresting with God through the night. We sing verses written by an unfairly accused poet wrestling with injustice, longing to be tested by God to be proved righteous, and having to take
- [URC Daily Devotion 1 Aug 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-1-aug-2026/) - Reformed Spirituality: An Aniconic SpiritualityExodus 20:1-6Then God spoke all these words: “ I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything
- [URC Daily Devotion 31 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-31-july-2026/) - inspiration in your inbox Friday, 31 July 2026Reformed Spirituality: A Spirituality For Something Matthew 4:18-22As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make
- [URC Daily Devotion 30 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-30-july-2026/) - Psalm 139: 1-18O Lord, you have searched me and known me.You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord,
- [URC Daily Devotion 29 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-29-july-2026/) - inspiration in your inbox Wednesday, 29 July 2026Reformed Spirituality: A Eucharistic Spirituality 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said,
- [URC Daily Devotion 28 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-28-july-2026/) - inspiration in your inbox Tuesday, 28 July 2026Reformed Spirituality: A Thankful Spirituality Luke 17:11-19On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When he saw them, he
- [URC Daily Devotion 27 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-27-july-2026/) - Colossians 3:1-4So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ
- [Sunday Service 26 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-26-july-2026/) - Introduction Welcome to worship today. Let us pause for a moment and open our hearts to listen to the world that God has made. Scripture tells us that creation is not silent, but groans with longing and waits for hope. In our readings today, we meet Laban, who often approached relationships in a transactional way,
- [URC Daily Devotion 25 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-25-july-2026/) - inspiration in your inbox Saturday, 25 July 2026 Training & Development Psalm 25:5Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. ReflectionDuring a break in my chaplaincy career, I became a Synod Training and Development Officer for a while. I met some
- [URC Daily Devotion 24 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-24-july-2026/) - St Mark 10 v 45Jesus said: ‘For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’ReflectionHow many of our churches could be stronger if they worked in partnership with other agencies in their communities? I know many already do and see the benefits
- [Wednesday 23rd July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/wednesday-23rd-july-2026/) - Thursday, 23 July 2026 In the presence of all the people – She told her story Luke 8:40-48 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. Just then there came a man named Jairus, a leader of the synagogue. He fell at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come
- [Wednesday 22nd July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/wednesday-22nd-july-2026/) - Wednesday, 22 July 2026 Grief and Loss Read Psalm 38 v14 Truly, I am like one who does not hear, and in whose mouth is no retort. Reflection All of us experience grief and loss; it hurts on so many different levels – that needs to be acknowledged. As a hospital chaplain I lost count of the
- [Tuesday 21st July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/tuesday-21st-july-2026/) - Hebrews 10: 24-25 And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Reflection How many communities do you belong to? The community of family, work
- [Monday 20th July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/monday-20th-july-2026/) - Monday, 20 July 2026 A Compassionate Community in Practice Romans 12:9–13 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere
- [Sunday Service 19 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-19-july-2026/) - Introduction Welcome in the name of the Lord — the One who speaks over us in Isaiah 44: “I’m first, I’m last, and everything in between. I’m the only God there is.” As we gather today, we come before the God who stands unmatched in power, love, and faithfulness. Isaiah reminds us that there is no
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday, 18 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-18-july-2026/) - Saturday, 18 July 2026Transforming Conflict 6: Called to Reconciliation 2 Corinthians 5:17–20 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday, 17 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-17-july-2026/) - Friday, 17 July 2026Transforming Conflict 5: Sowing Peace Through Wisdom James 3:13-18 Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday, 16 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-16-july-2026/) - Thursday, 16 July 2026Transforming Conflict 4: Restoring Broken Bonds. Genesis 33:1-11 Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two maids. He put the maids with their children in front, then Leah with her children, and Rachel and Joseph
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday, 15 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-15-july-2026/) - inspiration in your inbox Wednesday, 15 July 2026Transforming Conflict 3: Called to Be Peacemakers Matthew 5:1-11 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday, 14 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-14-july-2026/) - Tuesday, 14 July 2026Transforming Conflict 2: Transforming Conflict into Community Acts 6:1-7Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday, 13 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-13-july-2026/) - Matthew 18:15-20Jesus said: “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word
- [Sunday Service 12 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-12-july-2026/) - Sunday Worship from the United Reformed Churchfor Sunday 12th July Today’s service is led by The Revd Jenny Mills Introduction My name is the Revd Jenny Mills, and I am the Deputy General Secretary for Faith in Action. My team and I oversee the work of Discipleship and Mission in the Offices of the General Assembly of the
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 11th July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-11th-july-2026/) - Ephesians 4: 11 - 16The gifts [Christ] gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 10th July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-10th-july-2026/) - Philippians 1:27-28a & 4:4-7Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 9th July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-9th-july-2026/) - .Ecclesiastes 3:1-11a Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses.He sets the time for birth and the time for death,the time for planting and the time for pulling up,the time for killing and the time for healing,the time for tearing down and the time for building.He sets the time for sorrow and
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 8th July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-8th-july-2026/) - inspiration in your inbox Wednesday, 8 July 2026 Vocations 9 St John 4: 39 – 42Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s [of Samaria] testimony, ‘He told me everything I have ever done.’ So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 7th July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-7th-july-2026/) - Jonah 1: 1-17The word of the Lord came to Jonah, son of Amittai: ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.’ But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 6th July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-6th-july-2026/) - Jeremiah 29: 11-14For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me;
- [Sunday Service 5 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-5-july-2026/) - worship to comfort & inspire, excite & energise Order of Service Below you will find the Order of Service, prayers, hymns and sermon for today's service. You can either simply read this or you can to listen to the service and sing along with the hymns. This will open up a new screen, at the bottom of
- [URC Daily Devotion 4 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-4-july-2026/) - 1 Samuel 4: 2-10 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD
- [Please keep General Assembly in your prayers](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/please-keep-general-assembly-in-your-prayers/) - General Assembly Dear Friends,General Assembly meets from this afternoon until late morning on Monday. Representatives from all over the URC, joined by friends from partner churches from home and abroad, meet to worship, pray, listen, discern and discuss a range of issues. You can see the reports and resolutions to be discussed in the Book
- [URC Daily Devotion 2 July 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-2-july-2026/) - Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills — from where will my help come?My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is
- [URC Daily Devotion](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion/) - Reading verses from Psalm 18 I love you, O Lord, my strength.The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer,my God, my rock in whom I take refuge,my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,so I shall be saved from my enemies.The cords
- [URC Daily Devotion 29 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-29-june-2026/) - Reading St Matthew 10:26-31"So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the
- [Vocations](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/vocations/) - Vocation Dear Friends,I hope you enjoyed Stephen Orchard's thoughts on some of our favourite hymns. We now turn to two weeks on vocations.In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul outlined a number of offices in the Church to which people were called. As the Church developed offices, of course, changed. In the broad Orthodox and
- [Sunday Service 28 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-28-june-2026/) - Welcome and Introduction Welcome shining stars and silvery moon. Welcome, blue skies and cloudy days. Welcome tall trees and tiny bulbs. Welcome people young and old. Welcome learned and wise. Welcome curious and learning. Welcome: God calls us to come. Welcome to this service of worship, I am Nicky Gilbert, I am a non-stipendiary area minister in the Wessex synod. I am
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 27 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-27-june-2026/) - Hymns 6 I Will Enter His Gates With Thanksgiving In My Heart Rejoice and Sing 386I will enter his gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter his courts with praise,I will say this is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice for he has made me glad.Leona von Brethorst© 1976 Maranatha! Praise
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 26 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-26-june-2026/) - Hymns 5 O Lord My God When I In Awesome Wonder Rejoice and Sing 117O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonderconsider all the works thy hand hath made,I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,thy power throughout the universe displayed;Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee,How great thou are, how
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 25 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-25-june-2026/) - Hymns 4 Fill Thou My Life, O Lord My God Rejoice and Sing 406Fill thou my life, O Lord my God,in every part with praise,that my whole being may proclaimthy being and thy ways.Not for the lip of praise alonenor ev'n the praising heartI ask, but for a life made upof praise in every part.Praise
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 24 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-24-june-2026/) - Hymns 3 How Shall I Sing That Majesty Rejoice and Sing 661How shall I sing that majestywhich angels do admire?Let dust in dust and silence lie:sing, sing ye heavenly choir.Thousands of thousands stand aroundthy throne, O God most high:ten thousand times ten thousand soundthy praise; but who am I?Thy brightness unto them appears,while I thy
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 23 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-23-june-2026/) - Hymns 2 Let All The World In Every Corner Sing Rejoice and Sing 114Let all the world in every corner sing'My God and King!'The heavens are not too high,his praise may thither fly;the earth is not too lowhis praises there may grow.Let all the world in every corner sing'My God and King!'The Church with psalms
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 22 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-22-june-2026/) - Rejoice and Sing 712All people that on earth do dwell,sing to the Lord with cheerful voice;him serve with mirth, his praise forth tell;come ye before him and rejoice.The Lord, ye know, is God indeed;without our aid he did us make;we are his folk, he doth us feed;and for his sheep he doth us take.O enter
- [Sunday Service 21 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-21-june-2026/) - Introduction Welcome. Croeso. My name is Ruth Whitehead and I’m a minister of the United Reformed Church in the Landsker pastorate in Pembrokeshire, in the far West of Wales. Today is Father’s Day, and whether you usually celebrate that or not, our readings speak of the care of God as our heavenly father. Let us worship
- [URC Daily Devotion for Saturday, 20 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-saturday-20-june-2026/) - Revelation 18.1-13 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority; and the earth was made bright with his splendour. He called out with a mighty voice,‘Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!It has become a dwelling-place of demons, a haunt of every foul spirit, a haunt of every foul bird, a haunt of
- [URC Daily Devotion for Friday, 19 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-friday-19-june-2026/) - Philemon 1-16 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,To Philemon our dear friend and co-worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in your house:Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God
- [URC Daily Devotion for Thursday, 18 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-thursday-18-june-2026/) - Matthew 5.38-45Jesus said: ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat,
- [URC Daily Devotion for Wednesday, 17 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-wednesday-17-june-2026/) - Amos 5.10-24 (GNB)You people hate anyone who challenges injustice and speaks the whole truth in court. You have oppressed the poor and robbed them of their grain. And so you will not live in the fine stone houses you build or drink wine from the beautiful vineyards you plant. I know how terrible your sins
- [URC Daily Devotion for Tuesday, 16 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-tuesday-16-june-2026/) - Listen now, listen to GOD:“Take your stand in court. If you have a complaint, tell the mountains; make your case to the hills.And now, Mountains, hear GOD’s case; listen, Jury Earth—For I am bringing charges against my people. I am building a case against Israel.“Dear people, how have I done you wrong? Have I burdened you, worn you out? Answer!I
- [URC Daily Devotion for Monday, 15 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-monday-15-june-2026/) - Matthew 2.13-18 Now after they [the wise men] had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ Then Joseph
- [URC Daily Devotion 14 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-14-june-2026/) - Psalm 129 “They have pressed me hard from my youth,”this is Israel’s song.“They have pressed me hard from my youthbut could never destroy me. They ploughed my back like ploughmen,drawing long furrows.But the Lord who is just, has destroyedthe yoke of the wicked.” Let them be shamed and routed,those who hate Zion!Let them be like grass on the
- [URC Daily Devotion 13 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-13-june-2026/) - Saturday, 13 June 2026 Church and State 6 Matthew 27.11-23 Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus said, ‘You say so.’ But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to him, ‘Do you not hear
- [URC Daily Devotion 12 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-12-june-2026/) - Church and State 5 2 Samuel 11.27b-12.10 But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord, and the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him, and said to him, ‘There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had very many flocks and herds; but the
- [URC Daily Devotion 11 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-11-june-2026/) - Church and State 4 Luke 22.24-30 A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among
- [URC Daily Devotion 10 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-10-june-2026/) - Church and State 3 Romans 13.6-8 For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, busy with this very thing. Pay to all what is due to them—taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honour to whom honour is due. Owe
- [URC Daily Devotion 9 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-9-june-2026/) - Mark 12.13-17 Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. And they came and said to him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with
- [URC Daily Devotion 8 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-8-june-2026/) - Monday, 8 June 2026 Church and State 1 Romans 13.1-5 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgement. For rulers are not
- [URC Daily Devotion 7 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-7-june-2026/) - Psalm 128 O blessed are those who fear the Lordand walk in his ways!By the labour of your hands you shall eat.You will be happy and prosper;the wife like a fruitful vinein the heart of your house;children like shoots of the olive,around the table.Indeed thus shall be blessedthose who fear the Lord.May the Lord bless you
- [URC Daily Devotion 6 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-6-june-2026/) - When the Spring Still Flows: Revelation 21:6 Then he said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.ReflectionAs I come to the end of these twelve devotions, my heart
- [URC Daily Devotion 5 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-5-june-2026/) - When Rain Becomes Praise: Joel 2:23-24 O children of Zion, be glad and rejoice in the Lord your God;for he has given the early rain[a] for your vindication, he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the later rain, as before.The threshing-floors shall be full of grain, the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.ReflectionI remember being
- [URC Daily Devotion 4 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-4-june-2026/) - When the River Learns to Give: Proverbs 25:21-26 If your enemies are hungry, give them bread to eat; and if they are thirsty, give them water to drink;for you will heap coals of fire on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.The north wind produces rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.It is better to live in
- [URC Daily Devotion 3 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-3-june-2026/) - When God’s Tears Become a River: Amos 5:21–27 I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.Even though you offer me your burnt-offerings and grain-offerings, I will not accept them;and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon.Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not
- [URC Daily Devotion 2 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-2-june-2026/) - When the Water Turns to Wine: John 2:1-11 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus
- [URC Daily Devotion 1 June 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-1-june-2026/) - When the Water Gives Birth: John 3:5 Jesus answered, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.ReflectionThe water used for baptism looks gentle. It is clear and still, poured with care and received with hope. Yet, in the early Church, it was known as
- [URC Daily Devotion 31 May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-31-may-2026/) - Psalm 127If the Lord does not build the house,in vain do its builders labour;if the Lord does not watch over the city,in vain does the watchman keep vigil.In vain is your earlier rising,your going later to rest,you who toil for the bread you eat,when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber.Yes, children are
- [URC Daily Devotion 30 May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-30-may-2026/) - inspiration in your inbox 30 May 2026When the River Returns: Ezekiel 47:1-12 Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the threshold of the temple towards the east (for the temple faced east); and the water was flowing down from below the south end of
- [URC Daily Devotion 29 May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-29-may-2026/) - inspiration in your inbox 29 May 2026When the Water Connects John 4: 6-15 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink’. (His disciples had gone to the
- [URC Daily Devotion 28 May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-28-may-2026/) - Exodus 15: 22-27Then Moses ordered Israel to set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went for three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter. That is why it was
- [URC Daily Devotion 27 May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-27-may-2026/) - Exodus 14: 21-22Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land; and the waters were divided. The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right
- [Tuesday 26th May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/tuesday-26th-may-2026/) - Tuesday, 26 May 2026The Waters before the Word Genesis 1:1-2 In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Reflection Before there was light, there was water. Before
- [Monday 25th May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/monday-25th-may-2026/) - You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills,giving drink to every wild animal; the wild asses quench their thirst.By the streams the birds of the air have their habitation; they sing among the branches.From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. Reflection This is
- [Sunday 24th May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-24th-may-2026/) - Psalm 126 When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,It seemed like a dream.Then was our mouth filled with laughter,on our lips there were songs. The heathens themselves said: “What marvelsthe Lord worked for them!”What marvels the Lord worked for us!Indeed we were glad. Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondageas streams in dry land.Those who
- [Saturday 23rd May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/saturday-23rd-may-2026/) - St Mark 23:41-44 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus
- [Saturday 22nd May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/saturday-22nd-may-2026/) - "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?...Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." Reflection When we speak without acting, we risk our words being empty. And so our listening, learning, praying, and speaking must
- [URC Daily Devotion for Wednesday, 20 May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-wednesday-20-may-2026/) - St Matthew 6.10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Reflection Our listening and learning must be rooted in prayerful dialogue with God. As an ecumenist, I value praying in many different spaces and ways. Being part of JPIT has many joys, and one I often take comfort in is the
- [URC Daily Devotion for Tuesday 19 May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-tuesday-19-may-2026/) - Philippians 4:9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. ReflectionSimilarly to listening, learning is rooted in lived experience. Paul’s letters ask his readers to do two things captured in this verse – to learn from his lived experience,
- [URC Daily Devotion for Monday, 18 May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-monday-18-may-2026/) - Psalm 116:1-2 I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. :Reflection I often find myself wishing I could listen to someone and respond to them all at the same time, without having to wait for them to
- [Seeking Justice](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/seeking-justice/) - Seeking Justice Introduction Dear Friends,I hope you enjoyed Neil Thorogood's reflections over the last week informed by art, scripture and faith. We turn now to a new series.The Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) is part of the Baptist Union, Methodist Church and United Reformed Churches. It works and prays in, and with, those denominations and our
- [URC Daily Devotion for Saturday 16 May 2026 Scripture and Faith 6](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-saturday-16-may-2026-scripture-and-faith-6/) - ReflectionIt wasn’t unusual for the refectory of a convent or monastery to be adorned with a depiction of Christ eating with his disciples. But the one created for the Dominican nuns at Santa Caterina di Cafaggio in Florence was unique. Theirs was created by a self-taught nun. Which makes it the first known large-scale Last
- [URC Daily Devotion for Friday, 15 May 2026 Scripture and Faith, 5](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-friday-15-may-2026-scripture-and-faith-5/) - ReflectionAmy Lyon was often controlled and abused by powerful men. A housemaid at 12, Amy became an actor, model and dancer in London. Sir Harry Fetherstonhaugh, followed by the Honourable Charles Francis Greville, took Amy as a mistress, the latter getting her to change her name to “Mrs Emma Hart.” Greville was everything but honourable.
- [A Prayer for Ascension Day](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/a-prayer-for-ascension-day/) - A Prayer for AscensionThe Lord goes up with shouts of joy(Psalm 47:5) Dear Friends,Sarah Hall wrote this prayer for Sunday's digital service which focuses on the Ascension which falls today. We hope you find it usefulGod, greater than all our ideas of you, we praise you.We know of kings and presidents, we know bosses and
- [URC Daily Devotion for Wednesday, 13 May 2026 Scripture and Faith 3](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-wednesday-13-may-2026-scripture-and-faith-3/) - ReflectionWe are in the Book of Judges, chapter 12.“The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim, and whenever a survivor of Ephraim said, ‘Let me cross over,’ the men of Gilead asked him, ‘Are you an Ephraimite?’ If he replied, ‘No,’ they said, ‘All right, say “Shibboleth”. If he said, ‘Sibboleth’, because
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday, 12 May 2026 Scripture and Faith 2](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-12-may-2026-scripture-and-faith-2/) - Reflection2015 was the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta (the ‘Great Charter’), King John’s response to rebellion. It recognised that neither monarch nor government were above the law and introduced concepts around individual freedoms that have remained central in the laws of many nations. It is a text that has shaped history. The British Library, Ruskin
- [URC Daily Devotion for Monday, 11 May 2026 Art, Scripture and Faith 1](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-monday-11-may-2026-art-scripture-and-faith-1/) - Monday, 11 May 2026 Art, Scripture and Faith 1 Brick House by Simone Leigh (2019) ReflectionStanding 16 feet tall, Leigh’s bronze bust of a black woman was the first sculpture for the High Line Plinth in New York, a public park created from a redundant elevated railway. The city had very few monuments to Black
- [Scripture, Art, and Faith](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/scripture-art-and-faith/) - Scripture, Faith, and Art Dear Friends,I hope you found our journey through the book of Judges with Janet Tollington interesting. Janet's love of the Old Testament is something she willingly shares with us and we're grateful for the time and effort she put into producing that series. For the next week we are going to be
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 9th May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-9th-may-2026/) - Judges 21:2-7, 8b, 10-14, 17-25 And the people came to Bethel, and sat there until evening before God, and they lifted up their voices and wept bitterly. They said, ‘O Lord, the God of Israel, why has it come to pass that today there should be one tribe lacking in Israel?’ On the next day, the people
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 8th May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-8th-may-2026/) - Judges 20:1, 3b-13, 18-21, 26-27a, 28b, 35-36a, 47-48 Then all the Israelites came out, from Dan to Beer-sheba, including the land of Gilead, and the congregation assembled in one body before the Lord at Mizpah…(Now the Benjaminites heard that the people of Israel had gone up to Mizpah.) And the Israelites said, ‘Tell us, how did
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 7th May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-7th-may-2026/) - Selected verses from Judges 19:1-4, 9-12, 15-30 In those days, when there was no king in Israel, a certain Levite, residing in the remote parts of the hill country of Ephraim, took to himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. But his concubine became angry with him, and she went away from him to her father’s
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 6th May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-6th-may-2026/) - Judges 18:1-11, 13b – 20, 27-30a In those days there was no king in Israel. And in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking for itself a territory to live in; for until then no territory among the tribes of Israel had been allotted to them. So the Danites sent five valiant men from
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 5th May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-5th-may-2026/) - Judges 17: 1-13 There was a man in the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Micah. He said to his mother, ‘The eleven hundred pieces of silver that were taken from you, about which you uttered a curse, and even spoke it in my hearing—that silver is in my possession; I took it; but now
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 4th May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-4th-may-2026/) - After this he fell in love with a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. The lords of the Philistines came to her and said to her, ‘Coax him, and find out what makes his strength so great, and how we may overpower him, so that we may bind him in order
- [Sunday Service 3 May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-3-may-2026/) - Welcome and Introduction Hello and welcome to worship. My name is Andy Braunston and I am the United Reformed Church’s Minister for Digital Worship; I live up in Orkney but, when this service is used, I will be on sabbatical and travelling back from France and Italy where I’ll be looking at how faithful disciples have responded
- [URC Daily Devotion 2 May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-2-may-2026/) - Selected verses from ​Judges 15:1 - 8, 18-20; 16: 1-3 After a while, at the time of the wheat harvest, Samson went to visit his wife, bringing along a kid. He said, ‘I want to go into my wife’s room.’ But her father would not allow him to go in. Her father said, ‘I was sure
- [URC Daily Devotion 1 May 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-1-may-2026/) - Judges 14 Once Samson went down to Timnah, and at Timnah he saw a Philistine woman. Then he came up, and told his father and mother, ‘I saw a Philistine woman at Timnah; now get her for me as my wife.’ But his father and mother said to him, ‘Is there not a woman among your
- [URC Daily Devotion 30 April 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-30-april-2026/) - Judges 13:2 - 25 The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years. There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren, having borne no children. And
- [URC Daily Devotion 29 April 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-29-april-2026/) - Judges 10:1-5 and 12:7-15 After Abimelech, Tola son of Puah son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, who lived at Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim, rose to deliver Israel. He judged Israel for twenty-three years. Then he died, and was buried at Shamir. After him came Jair the Gileadite, who judged Israel for twenty-two
- [URC Daily Devotion 28 April 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-28-april-2026/) - Judges 12:1-6 The men of Ephraim were called to arms, and they crossed to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, ‘Why did you cross over to fight against the Ammonites, and did not call us to go with you? We will burn your house down over you!’ Jephthah said to them, ‘My people and I were engaged
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 27 April 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-27-april-2026/) - ​Judges 11:29-40Then the spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh. He passed on to Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he passed on to the Ammonites. And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord, and said, ‘If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, then
- [Sunday Service 26th April 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-26th-april-2026/) - Introduction Hello, my name is Nicola Furley-Smith and I am the Deputy General Secretary for Ministries. Our service today comes from Purley United Reformed Church. Call to Worship Come and worship the living God, whose goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives. Come and worship the living God who gathers us to his side, as
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 25 April 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-25-april-2026/) - ​Judges 11:1-28 Now Jephthah the Gileadite, the son of a prostitute, was a mighty warrior. Gilead was the father of Jephthah. Gilead’s wife also bore him sons; and when his wife’s sons grew up, they drove Jephthah away, saying to him, ‘You shall not inherit anything in our father’s house; for you are the son of
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 24 April 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-24-april-2026/) - ​Judges 10: 6-18 The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, worshipping the Baals and the Astartes, the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites, and the gods of the Philistines. Thus they abandoned the Lord, and did not worship him. So
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 23 April 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-23-april-2026/) - Reading ​Judges 9:1-7, 16-21, 50-57Now Abimelech son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem to his mother’s kinsfolk and said to them and to the whole clan of his mother’s family, ‘Say in the hearing of all the lords of Shechem, “Which is better for you, that all seventy of the sons of Jerubbaal rule over you,
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 22 April 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-22-april-2026/) - Judges 8:22-35Then the Israelites said to Gideon, ‘Rule over us, you and your son and your grandson also; for you have delivered us out of the hand of Midian.’ Gideon said to them, ‘I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.’ Then Gideon
- [URC Daily Devotion for 21 April 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-21-april-2026/) - Reading Judges 7:1-4, 9, 16-25; 8:10-12, 21Then Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the troops that were with him rose early and encamped beside the spring of Harod; and the camp of Midian was north of them, below the hill of Moreh, in the valley. The Lord said to Gideon, ‘The troops with you are
- [URC Daily Devotion for 20 April 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-20-april-2026/) - Judges 6:25-40ReadingThat night the Lord said to him, ‘Take your father’s bull, the second bull seven years old, and pull down the altar of Baal that belongs to your father, and cut down the sacred pole that is beside it; and build an altar to the Lord your God on the top of the stronghold
- [Sunday Service 19th April 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-19th-april-2026/) - Introduction Hello everybody. My name is Nick Jones and I am minister of two churches in Mersey Synod: Chester Road URC in Ellesmere Port, and Heswall URC on the Wirral, which is where I am speaking to you from today. It’s the season of Easter, the time of the Church year set aside to specifically remember and
- [URC Daily Devotion for 18 April 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-18-april-2026/) - ReadingThen Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying:‘When locks are long in Israel, when the people offer themselves willingly— bless the Lord!‘Hear, O kings; give ear, O princes; to the Lord I will sing, I will make melody to the Lord, the God of Israel.‘Lord, when you went out from Seir, when you marched from the
- [URC Daily Devotion for 16 April 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-16-april-2026/) - ReadingAt that time Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for judgement. She sent and summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to
- [URC Daily Devotion for 15 April 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-15-april-2026/) - Reading After him came Shamgar son of Anath, who killed six hundred of the Philistines with an ox-goad. He too delivered Israel. The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, after Ehud died. So the Lord sold them into the hand of King Jabin of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor;
- [Daily Devotion for Tuesday 14th April](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-tuesday-14th-april/) - Judges 3:12-30 The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord; and the Lord strengthened King Eglon of Moab against Israel, because they had done what was evil in the sight of the Lord. In alliance with the Ammonites and the Amalekites, he went and defeated Israel; and they took possession of
- [Daily Devotion for Monday 13th April](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-monday-13th-april/) - Judges 3:1-11 Now these are the nations that the Lord left to test all those in Israel who had no experience of any war in Canaan (it was only that successive generations of Israelites might know war, to teach those who had no experience of it before): the five lords of the Philistines, and all the
- [Sunday Service 12 April 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-12-april-2026/) - Welcome and Introduction Hello and welcome to worship as we continue our Easter celebrations. In today’s service we think about faith and doubt, joy and sorrow, commitment and salvation. My name is Andy Braunston and I am the United Reformed Church’s Minister for Digital Worship. I live and work up in Orkney off Scotland’s far North Coast but when
- [Daily Devotion for Sunday 12th April](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-sunday-12th-april/) - To the Lord in the hour of my distressI call and he answers me.“O Lord, save my soul from lying lips,from the tongue of the deceitful.” What shall he repay you in return,O treacherous tongue?The warriors’ arrows sharpenedand coals, red-hot, blazing. (Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech,dwell among the tents of Kedar!) Long enough have I
- [Daily Devotion for Saturday 11th April](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-saturday-11th-april/) - ​Judges 2:11-23 Then the Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and worshipped the Baals; and they abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; they followed other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were all around them, and
- [Daily Devotion for Friday 10th April](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-friday-10th-april/) - Judges 2:1-10 Now the angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, ‘I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you into the land that I had promised to your ancestors. I said, “I will never break my covenant with you. For your part, do not make a covenant with the inhabitants
- [Daily Devotion for Thursday 9th April](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-thursday-9th-april/) - Judges 1:8-36 Then the people of Judah fought against Jerusalem and took it. They put it to the sword and set the city on fire. Afterwards the people of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites who lived in the hill country, in the Negeb, and in the lowlands. Judah went against the Canaanites who
- [Daily Devotion for Wednesday 8th April](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-wednesday-8th-april/) - Wednesday, 8 April 2026 Judges 1:1-7 After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the Lord, ‘Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?’ The Lord said, ‘Judah shall go up. I hereby give the land into his hand.’ Judah said to his brother Simeon, ‘Come up with me
- [Judges](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/judges/) - Judges Dear Friends,I hope you've found our long read through of St Matthew a useful exercise and are enjoying these joyful days of Easter. For the next four weeks or so the Revd Dr Janet Tollington, a retired minister and member of Downing Place URC in Cambridge will lead us through the Book of Judges. As
- [Daily Devotion for Monday 6th April](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-monday-6th-april/) - St Matthew 28: 11 - 15While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. After the priests had assembled with the elders, they devised a plan to give a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, ‘You must say, “His disciples
- [Sunday Service 5th April 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-5th-april-2026/) - Introduction Hello. I’m Neil Thorogood and it’s my joy to welcome you to our worship on this Easter Sunday. I’m the URC minister of two congregations in the South Western Synod. Thornbury is a market town about half an hour from Bristol. Trinity-Henleaze is in one of Bristol’s suburbs. I also have the very great honour
- [And So We Wait](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/and-so-we-wait/) - And So We Wait And so we wait.The cross stands empty.Execution completed.Disciples despondent and despairing.The status quo restored.The dangerous preacher silenced;in a year or two they believe he’ll just be another memory - a historical curiosity. Job done. Unpleasant, I’ll grant you, but necessary.It’s better that one man dies for the sake of the people after
- [A Prayer for Exam Season](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/a-prayer-for-exam-season/) - A Prayer for Exam Season Dear Friends,The URC offers this prayer, for private and public use as youngsters, and not so youngsters, across these islands revise, prepare, and sit their examinations. School and College exam seasons in the UK start in Scotland on 22nd April and in England, Wales, and the Crown Dependencies around 4th
- [A Reflection and Prayer for Maundy Thursday](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/a-reflection-and-prayer-for-maundy-thursday/) - A Reflection for Maundy Thursday Dear Friends,the Revd Dr Susan Durber offers this reflection for Maundy Thursday. It is for both private and public use: Bare Feet In our congregation, we like to keep it polite.We speak of the weather, of bus times and birthdays,families and foibles, of the everyday and easy. "You ought to wash
- [Daily Devotion for Wednesday 1st April](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-wednesday-1st-april/) - Wednesday in Holy Week St Matthew 27: 27 - 31Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a
- [URC Daily Devotion 31 March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-31-march-2026/) - inspiration in your inbox 31 March 2026Tuesday in Holy Week St Matthew 27: 24-26So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.’ Then the people
- [URC Daily Devotion 30 March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-30-march-2026/) - inspiration in your inbox 30 March 2026 Monday in Holy Week St Matthew 27: 15-23Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, ‘Whom do you
- [Sunday Service 29th March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-29th-march-2026/) - Sunday Worship from the United Reformed Churchfor Sunday 29th March Today’s service is led by the Revd The Revd Dr Michael Hopkins Welcome and Call to Worship Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. Welcome to this worship for Palm Sunday. My name is Michael Hopkins, and I serve as Moderator
- [Daily Devotion for Saturday 28th March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-saturday-28th-march-2026/) - Saturday, 28 March 2026 St Matthew 27: 11 - 15Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus said, ‘You say so.’ But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to him, ‘Do you not
- [URC Dsily Devotion 27 March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-dsily-devotion-27-march-2026/) - St Matthew 27: 3 - 10When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. He said, ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.’ But they said, ‘What is that to us? See to it yourself.’ Throwing down the
- [URC Daily Devotion 26 March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-26-march-2026/) - inspiration in your inbox 26 March 2026 St Matthew 27: 1-2When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus in order to bring about his death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor.ReflectionA new morning is always a time of
- [URC Daily Devotion 25 March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-25-march-2026/) - St Matthew 26: 69 - 75Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, ‘You also were with Jesus the Galilean.’ But he denied it before all of them, saying, ‘I do not know what you are talking about.’ When he went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw
- [URC Daily Devotion 24 March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-24-march-2026/) - St Matthew 26: 57 - 68Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, in whose house the scribes and the elders had gathered. But Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest; and going inside, he sat with the guards in order to
- [Daily Devotion for Monday 23rd March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-monday-23rd-march-2026/) - While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.’ At once he came up
- [Sunday Service 22nd March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-22nd-march-2026/) - Sunday Worship from the United Reformed Churchfor Sunday 22nd March Today’s service is led by the Revd The Revd Jenny Mills Introduction Hello. My name is the Revd Jenny Mills and I am the Deputy General Secretary for Faith in Action. My team and I oversee the work of Discipleship and Mission in the Offices of the
- [Daily Devotion for Saturday 21st March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-saturday-21st-march-2026/) - Saturday, 21 March 2026 St Matthew 26: 36 - 46 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he
- [URC Daily Devotion for Friday 20th March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-friday-20th-march-2026/) - Then Jesus said to them, ‘You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written, “I will strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.’ Peter said to him, ‘Though all become deserters
- [Daily Devotion for Thursday 19th March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-thursday-19th-march-2026/) - While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; for this is my
- [Wednesday 18th March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/wednesday-18th-march-2026/) - On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?’ He said, ‘Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, “The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at
- [Daily Devotion Themes, Housekeeping, and a Sabbatical](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-themes-housekeeping-and-a-sabbatical/) - Daily Devotions, Housekeeping, and a Sabbatical Dear ,The URC blesses its ministers with a 12 week sabbatical every 7 years to encourage rest, research, and renewal believing this helps refresh both minister and the congregations and posts they serve. At the end of this week I will start a sabbatical, and some annual leave,
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday, 16 March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-16-march-2026/) - St Matthew 26: 6 - 13Now while Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table. But when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said,
- [Sunday Service 15th March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-15th-march-2026/) - Sunday Worship from the United Reformed Churchfor Sunday 15th March Today’s service is led by Emma Howarth Introduction Hello, and welcome to the service for Sunday 15th March 2026 for the United Reformed Church. My name is Emma Howarth. I am the Training and Development officer for Mersey Synod and I am so glad to welcome you this morning. I
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday, 14 March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-14-march-2026/) - St Matthew 26: 1 - 5When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, ‘You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’ Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday, 13 March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-13-march-2026/) - St Matthew 25: 31 - 46‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats,
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday, 12 March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-12-march-2026/) - inspiration in your inbox Thursday, 12 March 2026 St Matthew 25: 14 - 30 ‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday, 11 March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-11-march-2026/) - St Matthew 25: 1 - 13‘Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday, 10 March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-10-march-2026/) - St Matthew 24: 45 - 51‘Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 9th March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-9th-march-2026/) - St Matthew 24: 36 - 44‘But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and
- [Sunday Service 8th March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-8th-march-2026/) - Sunday Worship from the United Reformed Churchfor Sunday 8th March Today’s service is led by The Revd Lisa Moore Wilson Welcome and Introduction Hello, and a warm welcome to you wherever you are listening to this service. We come before God in prayer with our call to worship, let’s pray. Call to Worship O come, let us sing to the Lord;
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 7th March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-7th-march-2026/) - St Matthew 24: 9 - 35‘Then they will hand you over to be tortured and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of my name. Then many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 6th March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-6th-march-2026/) - St Matthew 24: 1 - 8As Jesus came out of the temple and was going away, his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. Then he asked them, ‘You see all these, do you not? Truly I tell you, not one stone will be left here upon another; all will
- [Opening Words for Worship in a Time of War](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/opening-words-for-worship-in-a-time-of-war/) - Opening Words for Worship in a Time of War Dear Friends,One of our more gifted liturgists, the Revd Phil Nevard, has written these words for the opening responses of worship. He is happy for them to be freely used wherever it is helpful. Where rockets and missiles and bullets prevail GOD IS NOT GLORIFIED Where
- [URC Daily Devotion 4 March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-4-march-2026/) - St Matthew 23: 29 - 36 ‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous, and you say, “If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.” Thus
- [URC Daily Devotion 3 March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-3-march-2026/) - St Matthew 23: 23 - 28 ‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practised without neglecting the others. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow
- [URC Daily Devotion 2 March 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-2-march-2026/) - St Matthew 23: 13 - 22 ‘But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. For you do not go in yourselves, and when others are going in, you stop them. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cross sea and land to make a
- [In These Days Filled With War](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/in-these-days-filled-with-war/) - Dear , The URC offers the following prayer for personal and public use as we reflect on and pray for all caught up in the escalating violence in the Middle East. Eternal One,we remember before You the people of Iran, Israel, Abu Dhabi, Oman, and Bahrain and those sailing through the Strait of Hormuz:all places of pain
- [Daily Devotion 28 February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-28-february-2026/) - St Matthew 23: 1 - 12 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practise what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to
- [URC Daily Devotion 27 February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-27-february-2026/) - St Matthew 22: 41 - 46 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: ‘What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?’ They said to him, ‘The son of David.’ He said to them, ‘How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying, “The Lord said
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 26 February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-26-february-2026/) - St Matthew 22: 34 - 40When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. ‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 25 February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-25-february-2026/) - St Matthew 22: 23 - 32The same day some Sadducees came to him, saying there is no resurrection; and they asked him a question, saying, ‘Teacher, Moses said, “If a man dies childless, his brother shall marry the widow, and raise up children for his brother.” Now there were seven brothers among us; the first
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 24 February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-24-february-2026/) - St Matthew 22: 15 - 22Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 23 February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-23-february-2026/) - St Matthew 22: 1 - 14Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. “Then he sent
- [Sunday Service 22nd February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-22nd-february-2026/) - Sunday Worship from the United Reformed Churchfor Sunday 22nd February 2026 Today’s service is led by the Revd Dr Lance StoneIntroduction Hello! My name is Lance Stone; I am a retired minister who has served both the United Reformed Church and the Church of Scotland. I am currently live in Glasgow. A very warm welcome to this service. Call to
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 21 February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-21-february-2026/) - St Matthew 21: 33 - 46Jesus said: “Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. When the harvest time approached, he sent his
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 20 February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-20-february-2026/) - St Matthew 21: 28 - 32Jesus said: “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. “Then the father went to the other son
- [URC Daily Devotion 19 February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-19-february-2026/) - inspiration in your inbox 19 February 2026 St Matthew 21: 23 - 27Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” Jesus replied, “I will also
- [Psalm Singing](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/psalm-singing/) - Singing Psalms Dear Friends,As you know we work through the Psalter on Sundays and have used various translations over the years. Currently we're working through the Inclusive Language Grail version which comes from the 1980s and used most widely in the Catholic Church, before that we used the Free Church of Scotland's metrical Psalter Sing
- [URC Daily Devotion 17 February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-17-february-2026/) - St Matthew 21: 12 - 17Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making
- [URC Daily Devotion 16 February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-16-february-2026/) - St Mathew 21: 1 - 11As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If
- [Sunday Service 15th February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-15th-february-2026/) - Sunday Worship from the United Reformed Churchfor Sunday 15th February 2026 Today’s service is led by the Students from the Scottish CollegeWelcome and Introduction The Revd Andy Braunston Hello, and welcome to worship. It’s good to share in worship with you and, this week, our worship is a little different with contributions from five of our students at
- [URC Daily Devotion 14 February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-14-february-2026/) - St Matthew 20: 29 - 34As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet,
- [URC Daily Devotion 13 February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-13-february-2026/) - Friday, 13 February 2026 St Matthew 20: 20-28 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your
- [URC Daily Devotion 12 February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-12-february-2026/) - St Matthew 20: 17 - 19 Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death
- [URC Daily Devotion 11 February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-11-february-2026/) - Wednesday, 11 February 2026 St Matthew 20: 1 - 16 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.About nine in the morning he went out and
- [URC Daily Devotion 10 February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-10-february-2026/) - St Matthew 19: 16 - 29 Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?”
- [URC Daily Devotion 9 February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-9-february-2026/) - St Matthew 19: 13 - 15 Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he
- [Sunday Service 8th February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-8th-february-2026/) - Sunday Worship from the United Reformed Churchfor Sunday 8th February 2026 Today’s service is led by the Revd Nicola Furley-SmithIntroduction and Call to Worship We come on our own, we come together. We come with our excitementand with our lack of expectation. We come with our longing and our pride. We come with our words and
- [URC Daily Devotion for 7-02-2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-7-02-2026/) - St Matthew 19: 1 - 8When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan. Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there. Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce
- [URC Daily Devotion for 6-02-2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-6-02-2026/) - St Matthew 18: 21 - 35Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle
- [URC Daily Devotion for 5-02-2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-5-02-2026/) - St Matthew 18: 15 - 20“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony
- [URC Daily Devotion for 4-02-2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-4-02-2026/) - 4 February 2026 St Matthew 18: 10 - 14“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will
- [Racial Justice Sunday](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/racial-justice-sunday/) - Racial Justice Sunday Dear Friends,Racial Justice Sunday has been observed since 1995 and currently takes place on the second Sunday of February, providing a very useful focus for many churches. Our friends at Churches Together in England have created this excellent resource for those looking to mark this day in worship:https://cte.org.uk/racial-justice-sunday-2026/I hope you find it useful.With
- [URC Daily Devotion for 2-02-2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-2-02-2026/) - St Matthew 17: 22 - 27When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” And the disciples were filled with grief. After Jesus and his
- [Sunday Service 1st February 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-1st-february-2026/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Andy BraunstonIntroduction Hello, and welcome to worship. Our world chases ever after happiness – and promises that happiness can be found through the things we have, through a pill or a bottle, through having the right lifestyle or job or possessions. Yet our readings tell us that joy is found in
- [URC Daily Devotion 31 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-31-january-2026/) - St Matthew 17: 14 - 20When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal
- [URC Daily Devotion 30 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-30-january-2026/) - St Matthew 17: 1 - 13 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared
- [URC Daily Devotion 29 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-29-january-2026/) - St Matthew 16: 21 - 28From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to
- [URC Daily Devotion 28 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-28-january-2026/) - St Matthew 16: 13 - 20When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you
- [URC Daily Devotion 27 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-27-january-2026/) - St Matthew 16: 5 - 12When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” Aware of their discussion, Jesus
- [URC Daily Devotion 26 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-26-january-2026/) - St Matthew 16: 1 - 4The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is
- [URC Daily Devotion 25 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-25-january-2026/) - Alleluia O praise the Lord, all you nations,acclaim him all you peoples!Strong is his love for us;he is faithful for ever. (Grail Version)orPraise the Lord, all you nations!Extol him, all you peoples!For great is his steadfast love toward us,and the faithfulness of the Lordendures forever.Praise the Lord! (NRSV)ReflectionThis psalm is the shortest one. It invites the
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 24th January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-24th-january-2026/) - St Matthew 15: 29 - 39Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 23rd January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-23rd-january-2026/) - inspiration in your inbox Friday, 23 January 2026 St Matthew 15: 21 - 28Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” Jesus did not answer
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 22nd January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-22nd-january-2026/) - St Matthew 15: 1 - 20Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?
- [Wednesday 21st January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/wednesday-21st-january-2026/) - Wednesday, 21 January 2026. St Matthew 14: 22 - 36 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there
- [Tuesday 20th January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/tuesday-20th-january-2026/) - When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This
- [Put no trust in rulers, in mortals in whom there is no help](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/put-no-trust-in-rulers-in-mortals-in-whom-there-is-no-help/) - A Reflection on Mortal Rulers (Tomb Stone in St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall (C) Andy Braunston) Psalm 146 ALLELUIA! My soul, give praise to the Lord;I will praise the Lord all my days,make music to my God while I live. Put no trust in rulers,in mortals in whom there is no help.Take their breath, they return to clayand
- [URC Daily Devotion 18 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-18-january-2026/) - Psalm 116 Alleluia I love the Lord for he has heardthe cry of my appeal;for he turned his ear to mein the day when I called him. They surrounded me, the snares of death,with the anguish of the tomb;they caught me, sorrow and distress.I called on the Lord’s name. O Lord, my God, deliver me! How gracious is the Lord,
- [URC Daily Devotion 17 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-17-january-2026/) - St Matthew 13: 53 - 58 When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary,
- [URC Daily Devotion 16 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-16-january-2026/) - St Matthew 13: 47 - 52 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad
- [URC Daily Devotion 15 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-15-january-2026/) - St Matthew 13: 44 - 46 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 14 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-14-january-2026/) - Wednesday 14 January 2026 St Matthew 13: 36 - 43Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 13 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-13-january-2026/) - Tuesday 13 January 2026 St Matthew 13: 31 - 35He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree,
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 12 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-12-january-2026/) - Monday 12 January 2026 St Matthew 13: 24 - 30Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the
- [Sunday Worship 11 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-11-january-2026/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Dr John McNeil Scott IntroductionGood morning, good afternoon and Happy New Year! My name is John McNeil Scott and I serve the United Reformed Church in my work as Principal of the Scottish College. Our college is based in Glasgow and seeks to help the church through the learning we
- [URC Daily Devotion 10 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-10-january-2026/) - St Matthew 13: 1 - 23That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went
- [URC Daily Devotion 9 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-9-january-2026/) - St Matthew 12: 46 - 50While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone toldrea him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his
- [URC Daily Devotion 8 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-8-january-2026/) - St Matthew 12: 38 - 45Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three
- [URC Daily Devotion 7 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-7-january-2026/) - We return to where we left off in Matthew’s Gospel before Christmas. St Matthew 12: 22 - 37 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” But
- [URC Daily Devotion 6 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-6-january-2026/) - St Matthew 2: 19 - 23 When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.’ Then Joseph got up, took the
- [URC Daily Devotion 5 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-5-january-2026/) - St Matthew 2: 16 - 18 When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what
- [Sunday Worship 4 January 2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-4-january-2026/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Andy BraunstonWelcomeWelcome to worship as today we mark the Epiphany; the feast falls on Tuesday but many churches will mark it today, drawing to a close our Christmas celebrations. “Epiphany” means manifestation and remembers the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus; the revelation of God to
- [URC Daily Devotion for 03/01/2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-03-01-2026/) - St Matthew 2: 13 - 15Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ Then
- [URC Daily Devotion for 02/01/2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-02-01-2026/) - St Matthew 2 1 - 12In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’
- [URC Daily Devotion for 01/01/2026](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-01-01-2026/) - Titus 2:11-14For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
- [URC Daily Devotion 31 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-31-december-2025/) - Isaiah 9: 2 - 7The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy;they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when
- [URC Daily Devotion 30 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-30-december-2025/) - St Luke 2: 36 - 38There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday, 29 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-29-december-2025/) - St Luke 2: 21 - 35After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present
- [Sunday Worship 28 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-28-december-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Walt Johnson WelcomeHello, and welcome to our Service of the Word on Sunday 28 December 2025. My name is Walt Johnson. I serve as a non-stipendiary Minister of Word and Sacraments in the Bolton and Salford Missional Partnership in the North-Western Synod of the URC.In the church’s calendar, 28
- [Saturday 27th December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/saturday-27th-december-2025/) - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light
- [Friday 26th December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/friday-26th-december-2025/) - Friday, 26 December 2025 St Luke 2: 15 - 20 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found
- [Christmas Day Service 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/christmas-day-service-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Packiaraj Asirvatham IntroductionMy name is Packiaraj Asirvatham, I’m serving as minister of South and East Enfield Pastorate in Thames North Synod. I’m very happy to celebrate Christmas Day with you all and it’s my joy to be part of this digital worship initiative led by the Revd Andy Braunston. So
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday, 24 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-24-december-2025/) - St Luke 2: 1 - 7In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday, 23 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-23-december-2025/) - St Matthew 1: 18 - 25Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to
- [URC Daily Devotions Monday, 22 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotions-monday-22-december-2025/) - We turn to the various narratives of the Christmas and Epiphany season over the next two weeks.St Luke 1: 26 - 38In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.
- [Sunday Worship 21 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-21-december-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Mark Rodgers WelcomeGood day to you all, on this, the fourth Sunday of Advent. Is the anticipation building where you are? Are you ready yet, for Christ’s arrival into the world? Well, the wait is nearly over, but before it is, let us have at least one more service
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 20th December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-20th-december-2025/) - St Matthew 12: 1 - 21At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”He answered, “Haven’t you read
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 19th December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-19th-december-2025/) - St Matthew 11: 25 - 30At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. “All things have been committed to me by
- [URC Daily Devotion 18 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-18-december-2025/) - St Matthew 11: 20 - 24 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long
- [URC Daily Devotion 17 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-17-december-2025/) - St Matthew 11: 1 - 19 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or
- [URC Daily Devotion 16 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-16-december-2025/) - St Matthew 10: 40 - 42 Jesus said: “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 15 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-15-december-2025/) - St Matthew 10: 32 - 39Jesus said: “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace,
- [Sunday Worship 14 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-14-december-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Catherine McFie IntroductionHello and welcome to worship. My name is Catherine McFie and at the time of recording this service I am approaching the end of my current ministry in Liverpool. I have been called to the Ecumenical post on the Isle of Man and all going well when
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 13 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-13-december-2025/) - Saturday 13 December 2025 St Matthew 10: 26 - 30Jesus said: “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 12 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-12-december-2025/) - St Matthew 10: 24 - 25Jesus said: “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!'ReflectionMatthew 10 reads
- [URC Daily Devotion 11 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-11-december-2025/) - inspiration in your inbox 11 December 2025 St Matthew 10: 21 - 23Jesus said: “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end
- [URC Daily Devotion 10 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-10-december-2025/) - St Matthew 10: 16 - 20Jesus said: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors
- [URC Daily Devotion 9 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-9-december-2025/) - St Matthew 10: 9 - 15Jesus said: “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts - no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy
- [URC Daily Devotion 8 December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-8-december-2025/) - St Matthew 10: 1 - 8Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip
- [Sunday Worship 7 December](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-7-december/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Andy Braunston Welcome and IntroductionHello and welcome to worship. It’s my honour to lead this service today; my name is Andy Braunston and I am the United Reformed Church’s Minister for Digital Worship. I live in Orkney, an island county off Scotland’s far north coast. Our readings today both,
- [Daily Devotion for Saturday 6th December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-saturday-6th-december-2025/) - St Matthew 9: 35 - 38 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then
- [Daily Devotion for Friday 5th December 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-friday-5th-december-2025/) - St Matthew 9: 32 - 34 After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to Jesus. And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and said, ‘Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.’ But the Pharisees said, ‘By
- [URC Daily Devotion for 4-12-2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-4-12-2025/) - St Matthew 9: 27 - 31As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to him,
- [URC Daily Devotion for 3-12-2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-3-12-2025/) - St Matthew 9: 18 - 26While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, ‘My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.’ And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly
- [URC Daily Devotion for 2-12-2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-2-12-2025/) - St Matthew 9: 14 - 17Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘The wedding-guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is
- [URC Daily Devotion for 1-12-2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-1-12-2025/) - St Matthew 9: 9-13As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax-collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples.
- [Sunday Worship 30 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-30-november-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Jenny Mills Introduction My name is Jenny Mills and I am a URC Minister of the Word and Sacraments currently serving in a General Assembly role as Deputy General Secretary (Faith in Action) which encompasses discipleship and mission. It is good to be with you this Sunday as we begin
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday, 29 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-29-november-2025/) - inspiration in your inbox Saturday, 29 November 2025 St Matthew 9: 1 - 8And after getting into a boat he crossed the water and came to his own town. And just then some people were carrying a paralysed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart,
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday, 28 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-28-november-2025/) - St Matthew 8: 28 - 34When Jesus came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. Suddenly they shouted, ‘What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday, 27 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-27-november-2025/) - St Matthew 8: 23 - 27And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A gale arose on the lake, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’ And he said to
- [Wednesday 26th November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/wednesday-26th-november-2025/) - Wednesday, 26 November 2025 St Matthew 8: 18 - 22 Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. A scribe then approached and said, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air
- [Tuesday 25th November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/tuesday-25th-november-2025/) - Tuesday, 25 November 2025 St Matthew 8: 14 - 17 When Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever; he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were possessed by demons;
- [Monday 24th November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/monday-24th-november-2025/) - When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, appealing to him and saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralysed, in terrible distress.’ And he said to him, ‘I will come and cure him.’ The centurion answered, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the
- [Sunday Service 23 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-service-23-november-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Andy Braunston WelcomeHello and welcome to worship. Today we mark the festival of Christ the King; a fairly recent festival but one which has Biblical resonances; Gabriel’s greeting to Mary noted that Jesus would have the throne of his father David, would rule over Jacob forever and would have
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday, 22 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-22-november-2025/) - St Matthew 8: 1 - 4When Jesus had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and there was a leper who came to him and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.’ He stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday, 21 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-21-november-2025/) - St Matthew 7: 24 - 29Jesus said: ‘Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 20th November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-20th-november-2025/) - St Matthew 7: 21 - 23‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord”, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name,
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 19th November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-19th-november-2025/) - St Matthew 7: 15 - 20Jesus said: ‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 18th November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-18th-november-2025/) - St Matthew 7: 13 - 14Jesus said: ‘Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.Reflection –
- [URC Daily Devotion 17 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-17-november-2025/) - 17 November 2025 St Matthew 7: 12 ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.’ Reflection Some years ago I was asked to be the URC representative at the opening of a new green burial ground. A group of us, from a variety of different
- [URC Daily Devotion 16 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-16-november-2025/) - Psalm 107 “O give thanks to the Lord for he is good;for his love endures for ever.” Let them say this, the Lord’s redeemed,whom he redeemed from the hand of the foeand gathered from far-off lands,from east and west, north and south. Some wandered in the desert, in the wilderness,finding no way to a city they could dwell
- [URC Daily Devotion 15 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-15-november-2025/) - St Matthew 7: 7 - 11 Jesus said: ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who,
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 14 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-14-november-2025/) - St Matthew 7:6Jesus said: ‘Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you.ReflectionI am writing this Devotion sitting on my office chair which I am cosily sharing with my dog, Miss Eve the Dobermann. I have
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 13 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-13-november-2025/) - St Matthew 7: 1 - 5Jesus said: ‘Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 12 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-12-november-2025/) - Wednesday 12 November 2025 St Matthew 6: 25 - 34Jesus said ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of
- [URC Daily Devotion 11 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-11-november-2025/) - St Matthew 6: 24Jesus said: ‘No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.ReflectionThe First Nations Bible renders this as, “No one can be loyal to two rival chiefs. You
- [URC Daily Devotion 10 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-10-november-2025/) - St Matthew 6: 22 - 23Jesus said: ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the
- [URC Daily Devotion 9 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-9-november-2025/) - Alleluia! O give thanks to the Lord for he is good;for his love endures for ever.Who can tell the Lord’s mighty deeds?Who can recount all his praise?They are happy who do what is right,who at all times do what is just.O Lord, remember meout of the love you have for your people.Come to me, Lord, with
- [URC Daily Devotion 8 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-8-november-2025/) - St Matthew 6: 19 - 21 ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there
- [URC Daily Devotion 7 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-7-november-2025/) - Friday, 7 November 2025 St Matthew 6: 16 - 18 Jesus said: ‘And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and
- [URC Daily Devotion 6 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-6-november-2025/) - St Matthew 6: 9 - 14 Jesus said: ‘Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come.Your will be done,on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our debts,as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial,but rescue us
- [URC Daily Devotion 5 November 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-5-november-2025/) - Wednesday, 5 November 2025 St Matthew 6: 5 - 8 Jesus said: ‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever
- [URC Daily Devoltion for 4-11-2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devoltion-for-4-11-2025/) - 4 November 2025 St Matthew 6: 1- 4Jesus said: “‘Beware of practising your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. ‘So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in
- [URC Daily Devotion for 3-11-2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-3-11-2025/) - St Matthew 5: 43 - 48‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the
- [URC Daily Devotion for 2-11-2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-2-11-2025/) - Psalm 105 Alleluia!Give thanks to the Lord, tell his name,make known his deeds among the peoples.O sing to him, sing his praise;tell all his wonderful works!Be proud of his holy name,let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice.Consider the Lord and his strength;constantly seek his face.Remember the wonders he has done,his miracles, the judgments he
- [URC Daily Devotion for 1-11-2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-1-11-2025/) - St Matthew 5: 38 - 42‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your
- [Friday 31st October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/friday-31st-october-2025/) - ‘Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.” But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday, 30 October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-30-october-2025/) - St Matthew 5: 31 - 32Jesus said: ‘It was also said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.Reflection These verses, perhaps
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday, 29 October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-29-october-2025/) - Wednesday, 29 October 2025 St Matthew 5: 27 - 30 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 28th October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-28th-october-2025/) - St Matthew 5: 21 - 26‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 27th October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-27th-october-2025/) - St Matthew 5: 17 - 20‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all
- [URC Daily Devotion 26 October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-26-october-2025/) - Sunday 26 October 2025 Psalm 104 Bless the Lord, my soul!Lord God, how great you are,clothed in majesty and glory,wrapped in light as in a robe!You stretch out the heavens like a tent.Above the rains you build your dwelling.You make the clouds your chariot,you walk on the wings of the wind,you make the winds your
- [URC Daily Devotion 25 October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-25-october-2025/) - St Matthew 5: 14 - 16Jesus said: ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light
- [URC Daily Devotion 24 October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-24-october-2025/) - St Matthew 5: 13‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.ReflectionWhat a strange thing for Jesus to say, equating people with a small, grainy chemical, but Jesus was
- [Daily Devotion for Thursday 23rd October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-thursday-23rd-october-2025/) - St Matthew 5: 1 - 12When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.‘Blessed
- [URC Daily Devotion 22 October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-22-october-2025/) - 22 October 2025 St Matthew 4: 23 - 24Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various
- [URC Daily Devotion 21 October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-21-october-2025/) - St Matthew 4: 18 - 22 As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake — for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ Immediately they left
- [Monday 20th October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/monday-20th-october-2025/) - Monday, 20 October 2025 St Matthew 4: 12 - 17 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the lake, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
- [Sunday 19th October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-19th-october-2025/) - Sunday, 19 October 2025Psalm 103 My soul, give thanks to the Lordall my being, bless his holy name.My soul, give thanks to the Lordand never forget all his blessings. It is he who forgives all your guilt,who heals every one of your ills,who redeems your life from the grave,who crowns you with love and
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 18 October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-18-october-2025/) - St Matthew 4: 1 - 11 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday, 17 October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-17-october-2025/) - St Matthew 3: 13 - 17Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 16 October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-16-october-2025/) - St Matthew 3: 1 - 11 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:“Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths
- [URC Daily Devotion 15th October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-15th-october-2025/) - St Matthew 2: 19 - 23 When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.’ Then Joseph got up, took the
- [URC Daily Devotion 14 October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-14-october-2025/) - St Matthew 2: 16 - 18 When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what
- [URC Daily Devotion 13 October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-13-october-2025/) - St Matthew 2: 13 - 15 Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ Then
- [URC Daily Devotion Sunday 12 October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-sunday-12-october-2025/) - Psalm 102O Lord, listen to my prayerand let my cry for help reach you.Do not hide your face from mein the day of my distress.Turn your ear towards meand answer me quickly when I call.For my days are vanishing like smoke,my bones burn away like a fire.My heart is withered like the grass.I forget to
- [Daily Devotion for Saturday 11th October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-saturday-11th-october-2025/) - St Matthew 2: 1 - 12In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday, 9 October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-9-october-2025/) - St Matthew 1: 1 - 17An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham.Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday, 8 October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-8-october-2025/) - 1 Timothy 6: 11 - 21But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 7 October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-7-october-2025/) - 1 Timothy 6: 2b - 10Teach and urge these duties. Whoever teaches otherwise and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that is in accordance with godliness, is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid craving for controversy and for disputes about words. From these come envy,
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 6 October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-6-october-2025/) - 1 Timothy 6: 1 - 2Let all who are under the yoke of slavery regard their masters as worthy of all honour, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be blasphemed. Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful to them on the ground that they are members of the
- [Sunday Worship 5 October 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-5-october-2025/) - worship to comfort & inspire, excite & energise Order of Service Below you will find the Order of Service, prayers, hymns and sermon for today's service. You can either simply read this or you can to listen to the service and sing along with the hymns. This will open up a new screen, at the bottom of
- [URC Daily Devotion for 4-10-2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-4-10-2025/) - 1 Timothy 5: 23 - 25No longer drink only water, but take a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. The sins of some people are conspicuous and precede them to judgement, while the sins of others follow them there. So also good works are conspicuous; and even when they
- [URC Daily Devotion for 3-10-2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-3-10-2025/) - 1 Timothy 5: 21 - 22In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels, I warn you to keep these instructions without prejudice, doing nothing on the basis of partiality. Do not ordain anyone hastily, and do not participate in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.ReflectionThe letter to Timothy
- [A Prayer following today's tragic events](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/a-prayer-following-todays-tragic-events/) - A Prayer Following today's tragic events in Manchester, the URC offers the following prayer for use in personal and corporate worship. It may be reproduced freely. With our Jewish sisters and brothers, we grieve, mourn, and pray,bringing to the Eternal One, our pain and protest, our tears and tenderness, our fears and failures.O Most High,we
- [URC Daily Devotion for 1-10-2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-1-10-2025/) - 1 Timothy 5: 17 - 18Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching; for the scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain’, and, ‘The labourer deserves to be paid.’ReflectionWhatever our particular ministry is, and we
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 30 September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-30-september-2025/) - 1 Timothy 5: 3 - 16Honour widows who are really widows. If a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn their religious duty to their own family and make some repayment to their parents; for this is pleasing in God’s sight. The real widow, left alone, has set her hope on God and
- [URC Daily Devotion 29 September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-29-september-2025/) - 1 Timothy 5: 1 - 2Do not speak harshly to an older man, but speak to him as to a father, to younger men as brothers, to older women as mothers, to younger women as sisters—with absolute purity.ReflectionSometimes in the New Testament there is a possible confusion in the Greek, since the word ‘presbuteros’ is
- [Sunday Worship 28 September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-28-september-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Nicola Furley-Smith IntroductionHello, my name is Nicola Furley-Smith and I am the Deputy General Secretary for Ministries. Today’s service is coming to you from Purley United Reformed Church. Call to Worship Happy are those whose hope is in the Lord their God. Praise the Lord, O my soul! Our God
- [Daily Devotion for Saturday 27th September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-saturday-27th-september-2025/) - 1 Timothy 4: 11 - 16These are the things you must insist on and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. Do not neglect
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 26th September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-26th-september-2025/) - 1 Timothy 4: 6 - 10If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness,
- [An Update](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/an-update/) - An Update Dear Friends,I thought I'd take this opportunity to update you on a number of things...Firstly about Worship Notes. The final notes for Creationtide have been added to this coming Sunday's file, all the October notes have been up for some time and now November's have been completed. November includes notes for Remembrance and
- [URC Daily Devotion 24 September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-24-september-2025/) - 1 Timothy 3: 14 - 16I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. Without
- [URC Daily Devotion 23 September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-23-september-2025/) - I Timothy 3: 8 - 13Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. Women likewise must
- [URC Daily Devotion 22 September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-22-september-2025/) - 1 Timothy 3: 1 - 7The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. He must manage
- [Sunday Worship 21 September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-21-september-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Lisa Moore Wilson IntroductionHello, and greetings to you to wherever you are joining us from today. My name is Lisa Moore-Wilson and I’m one of the URC ministers in the Cumbria Missional Partnership. Today we’re going to be looking at how we navigate living in a real world whilst
- [Daily Devotion for Saturday 20th September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-saturday-20th-september-2025/) - 1 Timothy 2: 8 - 15I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument; also that the women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided, or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, but with good works, as is
- [Friday 19th September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/friday-19th-september-2025/) - Friday, 19 September 2025 1 Timothy 2: 1 - 7 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and
- [Thursday 18th September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/thursday-18th-september-2025/) - 1 Timothy 1: 18 - 20 I am giving you these instructions, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies made earlier about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, having faith and a good conscience. By rejecting conscience, certain persons have suffered shipwreck in the faith; among them are
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 17 September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-17-september-2025/) - 1 Timothy 1: 12 - 17 I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 16 September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-16-september-2025/) - 1 Timothy 1: 8 - 11 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately. This means understanding that the law is laid down not for the innocent but for the lawless and disobedient, for the godless and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their father or mother,
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 15 September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-15-september-2025/) - I Timothy 1: 1 - 1 - 7 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Saviour and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy, my loyal child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I urge you, as I did when I was on my
- [1 Timothy](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/1-timothy/) - 1 Timothy Dear I do hope you found the last two weeks' worth of material musing on some insights from small islands interesting and helpful as we muse the positive aspects of small churches and ideas from the edge. It's been lovely to receive comments as we've gone along; it's always daunting to write a
- [URC Daily Devotion for 13 September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-13-september-2025/) - Saturday, 13 September 2025 Notes from Small Islands 12: Weaving Threads Proverbs 31: 10 - 22 She is far more precious than jewels.The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.She is
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday, 12 September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-12-september-2025/) - Notes from Small Islands 11: Renewables and Justice Psalm 107: 1-3, 23-38O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever.Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those he redeemed from troubleand gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west,
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday, 11 September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-11-september-2025/) - Notes from Small Islands 10: The Highway of the SeaPsalm 77 17 - 21The waters saw you, O God,the waters saw you and trembled;the depths were moved with terror.The clouds poured down rain,the skies sent forth their voice;your arrows flashed to and fro.Your thunder rolled round the sky,your flashes lighted up the world.The earth was
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday, 10 September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-10-september-2025/) - Notes from Small Islands 9: Island Saints Hebrews 12: 1 - 3Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday, 9 September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-9-september-2025/) - Notes from Small Islands 8: The ClimateIsaiah 24: 1 - 12Now the Lord is about to lay waste the earth and make it desolate, and he will twist its surface and scatter its inhabitants. And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the slave, so with his master; as
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 8th September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-8th-september-2025/) - Notes from Small Islands 7: IdentityGalatians 3: 27 - 29As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if
- [Sunday Worship 7 September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-7-september-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Andy Braunston IntroductionWe hear today of Jeremiah’s insight that God moulds us like a potter moulds and works clay on a wheel. Spinning and forming us into something wonderful. The Psalmist reminds us that we are fully known and loved; even if we don’t fully know ourselves and Paul
- [Daily Devotion for Saturday 6th September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-saturday-6th-september-2025/) - Acts 2: 1 - 7When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested
- [Daily Devotion for Friday 5th September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-friday-5th-september-2025/) - 1 Thessalonians 4: 10b - 12But we urge you, beloved, to do so more and more, to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you, so that you may behave properly towards outsiders and be dependent on no one.ReflectionPaul’s admonition to the Thessalonians might
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 4 September 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-4-september-2025/) - Thursday 4 September 2025 Notes from Small Islands 4: ParadiplomacyProverbs 16: 20-24Those who are attentive to a matter will prosper, and happy are those who trust in the Lord.The wise of heart is called perceptive, and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it, but folly is the punishment of fools.The mind
- [URC Daily Devotion for 3 9 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-3-9-2025/) - Notes from Small Islands 3: Selling Cold IslandsPsalm 139: 7 - 10O where can I go from your spirit,or where can I flee from your face?If I climb the heavens, you are there.If I lie in the grave, you are there.If I take the wings of the dawnand dwell at the sea’s furthest end,even there
- [URC Daily Devotion for 2 9 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-2-9-2025/) - Notes from Small Islands 2: Integration, Autonomy, Sovereignty?Lamentations 1: 1 - 3How lonely sits the city that once was full of people!How like a widow she has become, she that was great among the nations!She that was a princess among the provinces has become a vassal.She weeps bitterly in the night, with tears on her cheeks;among all her lovers she
- [URC Daily Devotion for 1 9 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-1-9-2025/) - Notes from Small Islands 1: Rejoicing in the smallSt Matthew 13: 31 - 32Jesus put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs
- [Notes from Small Islands](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/notes-from-small-islands/) - Notes from Small Islands Dear Friends,I hope you found last week's series inspired by the poetry of RS Thomas useful and interesting. I think Ruth Whitehead, Susan Durber, and Michael Hopkins did well to draw such insights from a poet who was both brilliant and complex. We turn now, for the next two weeks, to
- [URC Daily Devotions 30 August 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotions-30-august-2025/) - "The Answer"Not darkness but twilightIn which even the bestof minds must make its waynow. And slowly the questionsoccur, vague but formidablefor all that. We pass our handsover their surface like blindmen feeling for the mechanismthat will swing them aside. Theyyield, but only to reformas new problems; and onedoes not even do thatbut towers immovablebefore usIs
- [URC Daily Devotions 29 August 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotions-29-august-2025/) - The Moon in LleynThe last quarter of the moonof Jesus gives wayto the dark; the serpentdigests the egg. Hereon my knees in this stonechurch, that is full onlyof the silent congregationof shadows and the sea’ssound, it is easy to believeYeats was right. Just as thoughchoirs had not sung, shellshave swallowed them; the tide lapsat the
- [URC Daily Devotions 28 August 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotions-28-august-2025/) - You have no name.We have wrestled with you allday, and now night approaches,the darkness from which we emergedseeking; and anonymousyou withdraw, leaving us nursingour bruises, our dislocations.For the failure of languagethere is no redress. The physiciststell us your size, the chemiststhe ingredients of yourthinking. But who you aredoes not appear, nor whyon the innocent marchesof
- [Worship Notes over the next two months](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/worship-notes-over-the-next-two-months/) - Worship Notes for September and October Dear Friends,As you know we provide notes to help those lead worship prepare. September's material has been on the website for some time and October's has been up for a week or so; we're nearly ready with November's. You can find the material by going to urc.org.uk then clicking
- [URC Daily Devotion 26 August 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-26-august-2025/) - MargedWas she planned?Or is this one of life’sthrow-offs? Small, taken from schoolyoung: put to ministerto a widowed mother, who keepsher simple, she feeds the hens,speaks their language, is oneof them, quick, easilyfrightened, with sharpeyes, ears. When I havebeen there, she keeps her perchon my mind. I wouldstroke her feathers, quietenher, say: ‘Life islike this.’ But
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 25th August 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-25th-august-2025/) - The Bright FieldI have seen the sun break through to illuminate a small field for a while, and gone my way and forgotten it. But that was the pearl of great price, the one field that had treasure in it. I realize now that I must give all that I have to possess it. Life is not hurrying on to a receding future,
- [RS Thomas](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/rs-thomas/) - R S Thomas Dear Friends,I hope you found last week's Devotions exploring themes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer interesting and useful for your own discipleship journeys. This week we turn to 6 poems from the Welsh priest and poet R S Thomas.Ronald Stuart Thomas (1913-2000) was a priest of the Church in Wales and a noted poet.
- [Could you record podcasts?](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/could-you-record-podcasts/) - Could You Record Podcasts? Dear Friends,I am seeking another 30 or so volunteers to record the Daily Devotions we send out each day and material for the services we send out each week. We already have around 30 volunteers who record for us and I'd like to have a few more - might you be
- [URC Daily Devotion for Friday 22nd August 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-friday-22nd-august-2025/) - inspiration in your inbox Friday 22nd August 2025 Bonhoeffer 5 Jeremiah 32:8-15 Then my cousin Hanamel came to me in the court of the guard, in accordance with the word of the LORD, and said to me, ‘Buy my field that is at Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for the right of
- [URC Daily Devotion for Thursday 21st August 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-thursday-21st-august-2025/) - inspiration in your inbox Thursday 21st August 2025 Bonhoeffer 4 Colossians 2:6-8 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes
- [URC Daily Devotion for Wednesday 20th August 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-wednesday-20th-august-2025/) - Wednesday 20th August 2025 Bonhoeffer 3 Psalm 8:1-5O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!You have set your glory above the heavens.Out of the mouths of babes and infantsyou have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger.When I look at
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 19th August Bonhoeffer 2](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-19th-august-bonhoeffer-2/) - inspiration in your inbox Tuesday 19th August Bonhoeffer 2 Colossians 1:15-17 Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 18th August 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-18th-august-2025/) - Exodus 20:1-17 Then God spoke all these words:I am the LORD your God...you shall have no other gods before me.You shall not make for yourself an idol...you shall not bow down to them or worship them.You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the LORD your God...Remember the sabbath day, and keep it
- [6 Devotions with Dietrich Bonhoeffer](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/6-devotions-with-dietrich-bonhoeffer/) - 6 Daily Devotions with Dietrich Bonhoeffer Dear Friends,I hope you found the devotions led by some of our Church Related Community workers refreshing. We now have a set of 6 Devotions written by retired Baptist minister John Matthews weaving Biblical texts and ideas from Dietrich Bonhoeffer together. John wrote a series for us last year
- [Daily Devotion for Saturday 16th August 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-saturday-16th-august-2025/) - St Luke 10:25-37On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
- [Worship Notes for September and October now online](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/worship-notes-for-september-and-october-now-online/) - Worship Notes for September and October Dear Friends,just a quick note to say that October's Worship Notes have now all been loaded up; September's have been up for a few weeks.You can always find them by going to the URC website, urc.org.uk and then clicking on Your Faith | Prayer and Worship | Worship Notes.This
- [URC Daily Devotion 14 August 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-14-august-2025/) - Thursday 14th August Church Related Community Work 4 Jeremiah 29: 4-7 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives
- [URC Daily Devotion 13 August 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-13-august-2025/) - Wednesday 13th August Church Related Community Work 3 1 Peter 4:8-11 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If
- [URC Daily Devotion 12 August 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-12-august-2025/) - Tuesday 12th August Church Related Community Work 2 Galatians 3:28There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ReflectionIt’s not controversial to say that discrimination isn’t part of God’s hope for the world and its people. Saying that we should, therefore, do
- [Daily Devotion 11 August 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-11-august-2025/) - Monday 11th August Church Related Community Work 1 St Mark 7:24-30 From there Jesus set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard
- [Our Next Daily Devotion Series](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/our-next-daily-devotion-series/) - Our Next Daily Devotion Series Dear ,I hope you've enjoyed our lengthy read through and reflection on St John's Gospel. The Lectionary we use doesn't offer us much of John so it's been good to read it through over the Spring and Summer. Over the next few weeks we have some short series and,
- [Saturday 9th August 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/saturday-9th-august-2025/) - St John 21: 20 - 25Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; he was the one who had reclined next to Jesus at the supper and had said, ‘Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?’ When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, what about him?’ Jesus
- [Friday 8th August 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/friday-8th-august-2025/) - St John 21: 15 - 19 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son
- [Thursday 7th August 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/thursday-7th-august-2025/) - Thursday 7 August 2025 St John 21: 1 - 14 After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of
- [URC Daily Devotion for 6-08-2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-6-08-2025/) - St John 20: 24 - 31But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in
- [URC Daily Devotion for 5-08-2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-5-08-2025/) - St John 20: 19 - 23When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them
- [Writing for the Daily Devotions...](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/writing-for-the-daily-devotions/) - Writing for the Daily Devotions Dear Friends,As you know we send a reading, short reflection, and prayer out to over 4,000 people every morning via email, social media, podcast and (to those who request) booklet format. We have around 100 writers work hard to produce reflections that are shared so widely and to whom we
- [Sunday Worship 3rd August 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-3rd-august-2025/) - Sunday Worship from the United Reformed Churchfor Sunday 3 August 2025Photo Credit Jp Valery | Unsplash.com Today’s service is led by the Revd Andy Braunston Welcome I’ve never had the courage to respond “everything” when asked how much money someone left after they died; though I was once tempted when some long-lost relatives, who’d ignored the deceased
- [URC Daily Devotion for 2-08-2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-2-08-2025/) - St John 20: 1 - 10Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to
- [URC Daily Devotion for 1-08-2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-1-08-2025/) - St John 19: 38 - 42After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first
- [Daily Devotion for Thursday 31st July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-thursday-31st-july-2025/) - St John 19: 31 - 37Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. Then the
- [Daily Devotion for Wednesday 30th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-wednesday-30th-july-2025/) - St John 19: 26 - 30 Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to
- [Daily Devotion for Tuesday 29th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-tuesday-29th-july-2025/) - St John 19: 16 - 25So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. Pilate also had an inscription
- [Daily Devotion for Monday 28th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-monday-28th-july-2025/) - St John 19: 12 - 16 From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, ‘If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.’ When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the
- [Sunday Worship 27 July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-27-july-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Jessica Ashcroft-Townsley IntroductionGrace and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ and welcome to worship on this Seventh Sunday After Pentecost. I am the Revd Jessica Ashcroft-Townsley, minister to Kingsteignton URC and companion minister to the Somerset Group of churches of the South Western Synod of the United Reformed Church. I
- [Daily Devotion for Saturday 26th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-saturday-26th-july-2025/) - St John 19: 1 - 11Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ and striking him on the face. Pilate went
- [Daily Devotion for Friday 25th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-friday-25th-july-2025/) - Friday 25 July 2025 St John 18: 38 - 40 After Pilate had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, ‘I find no case against him. But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of
- [Daily Devotion for Thursday 24th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-thursday-24th-july-2025/) - St John 18: 28 - 38Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate went out to them and said, ‘What accusation do you bring against
- [Daily Devotion for Wednesday 23rd July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-wednesday-23rd-july-2025/) - Wednesday 23 July 2025 St John 18: 25 - 27Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, ‘You are not also one of his disciples, are you?’ He denied it and said, ‘I am not.’ One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had
- [Daily Devotion for Tuesday 22nd July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-tuesday-22nd-july-2025/) - St John 18: 19 - 24Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered, ‘I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask
- [Daily Devotion for Monday 21st July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-monday-21st-july-2025/) - St John 18: 15 - 18Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to
- [Sunday Worship 20 July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-20-july-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Angela Rigby Welcome and Opening Prayer Hello and welcome to our worship service. My name is Rev Angela Rigby. I’m a URC minister, and I’m currently serving churches in Kent. Let us begin with a word of prayer. Let us pray.Holy God, help us to draw close to You today.
- [Daily Devotion for Saturday 19th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-saturday-19th-july-2025/) - St John 18: 1 - 14After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas brought
- [Daily Devotion for Friday 18th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-friday-18th-july-2025/) - St John 17: 20 - 26Jesus said: ‘I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the
- [Daily Devotion for Thursday 17th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-thursday-17th-july-2025/) - St John 17: 6 - 19Jesus said: ‘I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave
- [Daily Devotion for Wednesday 16th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-wednesday-16th-july-2025/) - St John 17: 1 - 5The Revd Bernie Collins, retired minister, member of Avenue St Andrew’s URC, SouthamptonAfter Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to
- [Daily Devotion for Tuesday 15th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-tuesday-15th-july-2025/) - St John 16: 25 - 33‘I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but will tell you plainly of the Father. On that day you will ask in my name. I do not say to you that I
- [Daily Devotion for Monday 14th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-monday-14th-july-2025/) - St John 16: 16 - 24‘A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me.’ Then some of his disciples said to one another, ‘What does he mean by saying to us, “A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a
- [Sunday Worship 13 July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-13-july-2025/) - Today’s service is led by Emma Howarth IntroductionEmma Howarth is the Training and Development Officer for the Mersey SynodOn this Sunday in July, an ordinary Sunday, a summer’s day, we come to worship God. Today we leave busy lives and, perhaps, our troubles behind as we focus on a gracious and generous God who loves us.
- [Daily Devotion for Saturday 12th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-saturday-12th-july-2025/) - St John 16: 1 - 15Jesus said: ‘I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill you will think that by doing so they are offering worship to God. And they will do this because
- [Daily Devotion for Friday 11th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-friday-11th-july-2025/) - St John 15: 18 - 27Jesus said: ‘If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world
- [Daily Devotion for Thursday 10th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-thursday-10th-july-2025/) - St John 15: 12 - 17Jesus said: “‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer,
- [Daily Devotion for Wednesday 9th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-wednesday-9th-july-2025/) - St John 15: 1 - 11Jesus said “‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you.
- [Daily Devotion for Tuesday 8th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-tuesday-8th-july-2025/) - St John 14: 15 - 31Jesus said: “‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You
- [Daily Devotion for Monday 7th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-monday-7th-july-2025/) - St John 14: 1 - 14‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for
- [Sunday Worship July 6 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-july-6-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Andy Braunston WelcomeHello and welcome to worship. Today we think of a story of a pagan general, an enemy of Israel, seek healing from Israel’s God and one of His prophets. A healing freely given long before any profession of faith in the One who heals. God’s loving kindness
- [Daily Devotion for Saturday 5th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-saturday-5th-july-2025/) - St John 13: 36 - 38Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, where are you going?’ Jesus answered, ‘Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterwards.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’ Jesus answered, ‘Will you
- [Daily Devotion for Friday 4th July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-friday-4th-july-2025/) - Friday 4 July 2025 St John 13: 31 - 35 When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children,
- [Daily Devotion for Thursday 3rd July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-thursday-3rd-july-2025/) - St John 13: 21 - 30After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, ‘Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; Simon Peter therefore motioned to
- [Daily Devotion for Wednesday 2nd July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-wednesday-2nd-july-2025/) - St John 13: 1 - 20Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas
- [Daily Devotion for Tuesday 1st July 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-tuesday-1st-july-2025/) - Then Jesus cried aloud: ‘Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. I do not judge anyone who hears
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 30th June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-30th-june-2025/) - St John 12: 37 - 43After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. Although he had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him. This was to fulfil the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah:‘Lord, who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of
- [Prayers of Life & Death | July and August's Worship Notes](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/prayers-of-life-death-july-and-augusts-worship-notes/) - Worship Notes for July and August | Slight Delay to August Worship MaterialsPrayers of Life & Death Dear ,Please forgive one email for three things.The Worship Notes for July have been available for some weeks and are now joined by those for August. You can find them here.There will be a delay to the
- [Daily Devotion for Saturday 28th June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-saturday-28th-june-2025/) - St John 12: 27 - 36Jesus said: ‘Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—“Father, save me from this hour”? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’
- [Daily Devotion for Friday 27th June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-friday-27th-june-2025/) - St John 12: 20 - 26Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them,
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 26th June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-26th-june-2025/) - St John 12: 12 - 19The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting,‘Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord — the King of Israel!’Jesus
- [Daily Devotion for Wednesday 25th June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-wednesday-25th-june-2025/) - Wednesday 25 June 2025 St John 12: 9 - 11 When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it
- [Daily Devotion for Tuesday 24th June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-tuesday-24th-june-2025/) - St John 12: 1 - 8 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of
- [Daily Devotion for Monday 23rd June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-monday-23rd-june-2025/) - St John 11: 45 - 57Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what he had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the council, and said, ‘What
- [Sunday Worship 22 June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-22-june-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Andy Braunston WelcomeHello and welcome to worship. Today we look at the famous story of Elijah, on the run from justice after committing genocidal murder, engaging in a pity party thinking he’s the only one left who is faithful to God, and being corrected as his assumptions are turned
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 21 June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-21-june-2025/) - Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’ Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, ‘Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead for four days.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Did
- [URC Daily Devotion 20th June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-20th-june-2025/) - St John 11: 28 - 37When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, ‘The Teacher is here and is calling for you.’ And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was
- [URC Daily Devotion 19th June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-19th-june-2025/) - Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, ‘Lord, he whom you love is ill.’ But when
- [URC Daily Devotion 18 June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-18-june-2025/) - At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’ Jesus answered,
- [Why Do The Nations So Furiously Rage Together - An Extra Daily Devotion](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/why-do-the-nations-so-furiously-rage-together-an-extra-daily-devotion/) - Isaiah 2: 1 - 4The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s houseshall be established as the highest of the mountains,and shall be raised above the hills;all the nations shall stream to it.Many peoples shall come and say,‘Come, let us go up to the
- [URC Daily Devotion 16 June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-16-june-2025/) - Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ He answered, ‘And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.’
- [Sunday Worship 15 June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-15-june-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Cara Heafey WelcomeHello and welcome to today’s worship from the URC. My name is Cara, I am a minister at Marston and Wheatley United Reformed Churches and part time in the Oxford hospitals. It’s a pleasure to be worshipping with you today on Trinity Sunday. Whoever you are and
- [URC Daily Devotions14 June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotions14-june-2025/) - inspiration in your inbox Saturday 14 June 2025 St John 9: 13 - 34 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight.
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 13 June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-13-june-2025/) - inspiration in your inbox Friday 13 June 2025St John 9: 1 - 12 As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 11 June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-11-june-2025/) - Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ They answered him, ‘We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by
- [Daily Devotion for Tuesday 10th June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-tuesday-10th-june-2025/) - St John 8: 21 - 30Again Jesus said to them, ‘I am going away, and you will search for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.’ Then the Jews said, ‘Is he going to kill himself? Is that what he means by saying, “Where I am going,
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 9 June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-9-june-2025/) - Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’ Then the Pharisees said to him, ‘You are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid.’ Jesus answered, ‘Even if I testify on my own
- [Sunday Worship 8 June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-8-june-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Dr Elaine Colechin Words of ScriptureWhen the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire,
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 7 June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-7-june-2025/) - St John 8: 1 - 11While Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 6 June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-6-june-2025/) - St John 7: 40 - 52When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, ‘This is really the prophet.’ Others said, ‘This is the Messiah.’ But some asked, ‘Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem,
- [URC Daily Devotion 5th June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-5th-june-2025/) - St John 7: 37 - 39On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living
- [Daily Devotion for 4th June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-4th-june-2025/) - St John 7: 32 - 36The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering such things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent temple police to arrest him. Jesus then said, ‘I will be with you a little while longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. You will search for me, but
- [URC Daily Devotion 3rd June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-3rd-june-2025/) - St John 7: 14 - 21About the middle of the festival Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. The Jews were astonished at it, saying, ‘How does this man have such learning, when he has never been taught?’ Then Jesus answered them, ‘My teaching is not mine but his who sent me.
- [Daily Devotion for Monday 2nd June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-monday-2nd-june-2025/) - Monday 2 June 2025 St John 7: 10 - 13 But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but as it were in secret. The Jews were looking for him at the festival and saying, ‘Where is he?’ And there was considerable complaining about him among the crowds.
- [Sunday Worship 1 June 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-1-june-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Andy Braunston WelcomeHello and welcome to worship. Today we celebrate the Ascension – which actually fell on Thursday but, like many churches, we observe the festival today. Ascension draws us to the end of the Easter stories where Jesus hands over his work to his friends – friends who
- [URC Daily Devotion 31 May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-31-may-2025/) - St John 7: 1 - 9After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him. Now the Jewish festival of Booths was near. So his brothers said to him, ‘Leave here and go to Judea so that your
- [URC Daily Devotion 30 May 20205](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-30-may-20205/) - St John 6: 52 - 71The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ So Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat
- [Daily Devotion for Thursday 29th May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-thursday-29th-may-2025/) - St John 6: 41 - 51Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, ‘I am the bread that came down from heaven.’ They were saying, ‘Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, “I have come down from heaven”?’ Jesus answered
- [Daily Devotion for Wednesday 28th May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-wednesday-28th-may-2025/) - St John 6: 35-40Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me,
- [Daily Devotion for Tuesday 27th May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-tuesday-27th-may-2025/) - St John 6: 22 - 34The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the lake saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Then some boats from
- [Daily Devotion for Monday 26th May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-monday-26th-may-2025/) - St John 6: 16 - 21When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, got into a boat, and started across the lake to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The lake became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or
- [Sunday Worship 25 May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-25-may-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Fiona Bennett Welcome & GatheringHello. My name is Fiona Bennett the minister at Augustine United Church in Edinburgh. I am delighted be with you sharing in your worship this morning. Call to Worship The Risen Christ is amongst usbreathing new vision into our imaginations;breathing new hope into our hearts,breathing new
- [Saturday 24 May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/saturday-24-may-2025/) - After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 23 May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-23-may-2025/) - St John 5: 30 – 47Jesus said: ‘I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgement is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me. ‘If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 22 May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-22-may-2025/) - St John 5: 10 – 29Now that day was a sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who had been cured, ‘It is the sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.’ But he answered them, ‘The man who made me well said to me, “Take up your mat and walk.”’
- [Daily Devotion 21 May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-21-may-2025/) - inspiration in your inbox Wednesday 21 May 2025 St John 5: 1 - 9After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and paralysed.
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 20th May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-20th-may-2025/) - St John 4: 43 - 53When the two days were over, he went from that place to Galilee (for Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honour in the prophet’s own country). When he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 19th May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-19th-may-2025/) - St John 4: 1 - 42Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard, ‘Jesus is making and baptizing more disciples than John’— although it was not Jesus himself but his disciples who baptized— he left Judea and started back to Galilee. But he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a Samaritan
- [Sunday Worship 18 May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-18-may-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Catherine McFie IntroductionHello, my name is Catherine McFie and I have the privilege of being a URC minister, serving in Mersey Synod. Part of my time is dedicated to being minister of two churches within Liverpool. Part of my time is as a Pastoral Officer for the Liverpool area
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 17 May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-17-may-2025/) - Jesus said: The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 16 May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-16-may-2025/) - After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he spent some time there with them and baptized. John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim because water was abundant there; and people kept coming and were being baptized— John, of course, had not yet been thrown into prison. Now a discussion
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 15 May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-15-may-2025/) - St John 3: 1 - 21Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 14 May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-14-may-2025/) - St John 2: 13 - 25The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money-changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the
- [URC Daily Devotions 13 May 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotions-13-may-2024/) - 13 May 2025 St John 2: 1 - 12 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’
- [Daily Devotion Monday for 12th May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-monday-for-12th-may-2025/) - Monday 12 May 2025 St John 1: 43 - 51The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him about whom Moses in the law
- [Sunday Worship 11 May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-11-may-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Dr Nick Jones IntroductionHello everybody. My name is Rev Nick Jones and I am minister of two United Reformed Churches in Mersey Synod – Chester Road URC in Ellesmere Port, and Heswall URC, where I am speaking to you from today. Thank you for joining me in worship. At Heswall
- [URC Daily Devotion 10 May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-10-may-2025/) - Saturday 10 May 2025 St John 1: 35 - 42 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, ‘Look, here is the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw
- [URC Daily Devotion 9th May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-9th-may-2025/) - St John 1: 29 - 34The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” I myself did
- [URC Daily Devotion 8th May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-8th-may-2025/) - St John 1: 19-28This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’He said, ‘I am not.’‘Are you the prophet?’He answered, ‘No.’ Then
- [URC Daily Devotion 7th May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-7th-may-2025/) - And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before
- [URC Daily Devotion 6 May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-6-may-2025/) - St John 1: 6 -13There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into
- [URC Daily Devotion 5 May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-5-may-2025/) - John 1: 1 - 5In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the
- [Sunday Worship 4 May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-4-may-2025/) - worship to comfort & inspire, excite & energise Order of Service Below you will find the Order of Service, prayers, hymns and sermon for today's service. You can either simply read this or you can to listen to the service and sing along with the hymns. This will open up a new screen, at the bottom of
- [Daily Devotion for Saturday 3rd May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-saturday-3rd-may-2025/) - Icon of The ResurrectionIsaac Fanous (1919 – 2007)InformationThe Coptic Orthodox Church is an Oriental Orthodox church based in Egypt. Copts believe their church to have been established by Mark during the middle of the first century. Due to disputes concerning the nature of Christ, the Oriental Orthodox and the Eastern Orthodox were in schism after
- [Daily Devotion for Friday 2nd May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-friday-2nd-may-2025/) - Michael Smither, ‘Doubting Thomas’ (c.1970), St Joseph’s Church, Ngāmotu New PlymouthImage: Bronwyn Holloway-Smith, Public Art Heritage Aotearoa New Zealand, 2021InformationMichael Smither was not actually commissioned to create this mural, but in his view the new, well-lit, walls of the recently completed St Joseph’s “cried out for murals." His first charcoal sketch of the work was reportedly
- [Daily Devotion for Thursday 1st May 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-thursday-1st-may-2025/) - inspiration in your inbox Thursday 1 May 2025 public domainWilliam Blake, ‘Mary Magdalen at the Sepulchre' | InformationThis is one of approximately eighty watercolour illustrations to the Bible produced by William Blake for his loyal patron Thomas Butts between 1800 and about 1805. It is not clear how these designs originally functioned as illustrations: they
- [Daily Devotion for Wednesday 30th April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-wednesday-30th-april-2025/) - John 21© Ally Barrett (www.reverendally.org) and used by permission. InformationAlly Barrett is currently a chaplain working in higher education, having spent eleven years in parish ministry, four years teaching practical theology to trainee ministers, and a year as a children’s minister. She is also an artist. This piece is one of several paintings she has
- [Daily Devotion for Tuesday 29th April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-tuesday-29th-april-2025/) - InformationMy son helped me stretch this canvas on an old window frame. As he helped, he told me of his friend, Tancred who had passed a road accident on the way to school one day and, in the course of that day, was told that his mother had died in it. His family fell apart
- [Daily Devotion for Monday 28th April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-monday-28th-april-2025/) - Kelly Latimore Crucifixion and Resurrection icons. used under licenceInformationThese two icons were conceived as a matched set, and aim to subvert the deadly dualism of light and darkness in the Christian tradition. They provide a meditation on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the work of the liberator God of Exodus. They serve
- [Sunday Worship 27 April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-27-april-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Dr Michael Hopkins Welcome & Call to WorshipWhoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. Welcome to this service from the United Reformed Church. My name is Michael Hopkins, I serve as Moderator of the Wessex Synod, a family of churches across several counties
- [Daily Devotion for April 26th 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-april-26th-2025/) - © Anneke Kaai Series: Apostolic CreedTitle On the third day he rose from the dead….. ascended into heavenwww.annekekaai.nlFB: Anneke Kaai paginaInstagram: annekekaai_kunstenares InformationAnneke Kaai- van Wijngaarden, born in 1951 in Naarden, Holland, studied at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam after a classical education at the Gooise Academy for Visual Art. Her paintings are
- [Daily Devotion for Friday 25th April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-friday-25th-april-2025/) - Matthias Grünewald section of Isenheim Altarpiece, 1512–1516, photo by Gleb Simonov, public domain InformationThe altarpiece was painted for the Monastery of St. Anthony in Issenheim near Colmar, which specialized in hospital work. It is on display at the Unterlinden Museum at Colmar, Alsace, in France and is Grünewald's largest work and is regarded as his
- [Daily Devotion for Thursday 24th April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-thursday-24th-april-2025/) - InformationThe artist Sieger Köder was born in January 1925 in Wasseralfingen, Germany. During the Second World War he was sent to France as a front line soldier where he was made a prisoner of war. Once back from captivity, Sieger Köder attended the Academy School of Art in Stuttgart until 1951. After 12 years of
- [Daily Devotion for 23rd April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-23rd-april-2025/) - Wednesday 23rd April Easter Wednesday St Luke 24: 50 - 53Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they
- [URC Daily Devotion 22nd April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-22nd-april-2025/) - St Luke 24: 36 - 49While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, ‘Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at
- [On The Death of His Holiness Pope Francis](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/on-the-death-of-his-holiness-pope-francis/) - On The Death of His Holiness, Pope Francis Dear Friends,The URC has prepared the following reflection following the death of Pope Francis. It is hoped you find it useful in public and private prayer and reflection.With every good wishAndyThe Rev'd Andy BraunstonMinister for Digital Worship On the Death of His Holiness, Pope Francis The United
- [Sunday Worship 20 April 2025 - Easter Sunday](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-20-april-2025-easter-sunday/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Ruth Whitehead WelcomeWelcome to this act of worship. I’m Ruth Whitehead, and I’m the minister of the Landsker Pastorate of the URC - five chapels around Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire. This Easter Morning the five congregations will come together in a joint service of celebration, just yards away from the
- [Saturday 19th April Holy Saturday](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/saturday-19th-april-holy-saturday/) - St Luke 23: 50 - 56 Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and
- [Good Friday Service 18 April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/good-friday-service-18-april-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Andy Braunston Welcome and IntroductionHello and welcome to worship on this, the saddest day of the Church’s year. We follow Jesus from the garden to the tomb, ponder things through the eyes of Peter, Pilate, and Mary and wonder how we might have reacted if we’d been there. Through
- [URC Daily Devotion 17 April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-17-april-2025/) - St Luke 23: 26 - 43As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts
- [URC Daily Devotion 16 April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-16-april-2025/) - St Luke 23: 13 - 25Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, ‘You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 15th April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-15th-april-2025/) - St Luke 23: 1 - 12Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. They began to accuse him, saying, ‘We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.’ Then Pilate asked him, ‘Are you the
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 14th April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-14th-april-2025/) - St Luke 22: 54 - 71Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight,
- [Sunday Worship 13 April 2025 - Palm Sunday](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-13-april-2025-palm-sunday/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Dr Susan Durber IntroductionHello, I’m Susan Durber, and I greet you on Palm Sunday from my home in West Wales. I serve as one of the eight Presidents of the World Council of Churches and so I also bring you greetings from the 352 member churches from all over
- [Daily Devotion for Saturday 12th April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-saturday-12th-april-2025/) - St Luke 22: 47 - 53 While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?’ When those who
- [URC Daily Devotion 11 April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-11-april-2025/) - 11 April 2025 St Luke 22: 39 - 46 He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’ Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 10 April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-10-april-2025/) - St Luke 22: 30 - 38Jesus said: Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go
- [Daily Devotion for Wednesday 9th April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-wednesday-9th-april-2025/) - Wednesday 9 April 2025Sieger Köder: The Washing of the Feet (C) Pauline Publications, used on licence St Luke 22: 24 - 29 A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them;
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 8 April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-8-april-2025/) - St Luke 22 14 - 23When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 7 April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-7-april-2025/) - St Luke 22: 7 - 13Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, ‘Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.’ They asked him, ‘Where do you want us to make preparations for it?’ ‘Listen,’
- [Sunday Worship 6 April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-6-april-2025/) - worship to comfort & inspire, excite & energise Order of Service Below you will find the Order of Service, prayers, hymns and sermon for today's service. You can either simply read this or you can to listen to the service and sing along with the hymns. This will open up a new screen, at the bottom of
- [URC Daily Devotion 5th April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-5th-april-2025/) - Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with
- [URC Daily Devotion 4th April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-4th-april-2025/) - St Luke 21: 29 - 37Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is
- [URC Daily Devotion 3 April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-3-april-2025/) - St Luke 21: 20 - 28‘When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those inside the city must leave it, and those out in the country must not enter it; for these are days of vengeance, as a
- [URC Daily Devotion 2 April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-2-april-2025/) - St Luke 21 5-19When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’ They asked him, ‘Teacher, when will
- [URC Daily Devotion 1 April 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-1-april-2025/) - 1 April 2025 St Luke 21: 1 - 4 Jesus looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have
- [URC Daily Devotion 31 March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-31-march-2025/) - St Luke 20 : 41 - 47Then Jesus said to them, ‘How can they say that the Messiah is David’s son? For David himself says in the book of Psalms,“The Lord said to my Lord,‘Sit at my right hand,until I make your enemies your footstool.’”David thus calls him Lord; so how can he be his
- [Sunday Worship March 30 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-march-30-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Ryan SirmonsWelcome and IntroductionMay the grace and peace of Christ be with you and greetings from all the saints of the churches of the Northwest and Central, Newcastle upon Tyne pastorate of the United Reformed Church. Jesmond, St. Andrews and Kenton, St. James is in the city centre
- [URC Daily Devotion 29 March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-29-march-2025/) - St Luke 20: 27 - 39Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question, ‘Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were
- [URC Daily Devotion 28th March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-28th-march-2025/) - St Luke 20: 20 - 26So they watched him and sent spies who pretended to be honest, in order to trap him by what he said, so as to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor. So they asked him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are right in what you say
- [URC Daily Devotion 27th March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-27th-march-2025/) - St Luke 20: 8 - 19Jesus began to tell the people this parable: ‘A man planted a vineyard, and leased it to tenants, and went to another country for a long time. When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants in order that they might give him his share of the produce
- [URC Daily Devotion 26th March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-26th-march-2025/) - inspiration in your inbox Wednesday 26 March 2025 St Luke 20: 1-8One day, as he was teaching the people in the temple and telling the good news, the chief priests and the scribes came with the elders and said to him, ‘Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who
- [Tuesday 25th March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/tuesday-25th-march-2025/) - St Luke 19: 45 - 48 Then he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there; and he said, ‘It is written, “My house shall be a house of prayer”; but you have made it a den of robbers.’ Every day he was teaching in the temple. The chief priests,
- [Monday 24th March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/monday-24th-march-2025/) - As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. Indeed, the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up ramparts around you and surround
- [Sunday Worship 23 March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-23-march-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Dr Lance Stone WelcomeHello and welcome to our service of worship. My name is Lance Stone. I’m a retired United Reformed Church minister. I’ve served the URC in London and in Cambridge. I’ve also served the Church of Scotland in Aberdeen and Amsterdam. Let us begin with a word
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 22 March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-22-march-2025/) - St Luke 19: 28 - 40After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 21 March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-21-march-2025/) - St Luke 19: 11 – 27As they were listening to this, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. So he said, ‘A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return.
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 20 March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-20-march-2025/) - St Luke 19: 1 - 10He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax-collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 19th March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-19th-march-2025/) - St Luke 18: 35 - 42As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’ Then he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who were in front
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 18th March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-18th-march-2025/) - St Luke 18: 31 - 34Then Jesus took the twelve aside and said to them, ‘See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be handed over to the Gentiles; and he will be mocked and insulted and
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 17th March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-17th-march-2025/) - St Luke 18: 18-30A certain ruler asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not
- [URC Daily Devotion Sunday 16 March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-sunday-16-march-2025/) - inspiration in your inbox 16 March 2025 Psalm 73How good God is to Israel,to those who are pure of heart.Yet my feet came close to stumbling,my steps had almost slippedfor I was filled with envy of the proudwhen I saw how the wicked prosper. For them there are no pains;their bodies are sound and sleek.They do
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 15 March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-15-march-2025/) - People were bringing even infants to Jesus that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom
- [URC Daily Devotion 14th March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-14th-march-2025/) - St Luke 18: 9 - 14 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and regarded others with contempt: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 13th March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-13th-march-2025/) - St Luke 18: 1 - 8Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying,
- [URC Daily Devotion for Wednesday 12th March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-wednesday-12th-march-2025/) - St Luke 17: 20 - 37Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 11th March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-11th-march-2025/) - St Luke 17: 11 - 19On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When he saw them, he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 10th March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-10th-march-2025/) - St Luke 17: 1 - 9Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little
- [URC Daily Devotion 9 March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-9-march-2025/) - O God, give your judgement to the king,to a king's son your justice,that he may judge your people in justiceand your poor in right judgment.May the mountains bring forth peace for the peopleand the hills, justice.May he defend the poor of the peopleand save the children of the needy(and crush the oppressor).He shall endure like
- [URC Daily Devotion 8 March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-8-march-2025/) - St Luke 16: 19-31‘There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and
- [URC Daily Devotion for Friday 7th March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-friday-7th-march-2025/) - Friday 7th March 2025 St Luke 16: 14 - 19The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they ridiculed him. So Jesus said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts; for what is prized by human beings is an abomination in
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 6 March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-6-march-2025/) - St Luke 16: 1 - 13Then Jesus said to the disciples, ‘There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to him, “What is this that I hear about you? Give me an account of your
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 5 March 2025 Ash Wednesday](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-5-march-2025-ash-wednesday/) - St Luke 15: 11 - 32Then Jesus said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.” So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 4 March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-4-march-2025/) - St Luke 15: 8 - 10‘Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbours, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin
- [URC Daily Devotion 3 March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-3-march-2025/) - St Luke 15: 1 - 7Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he told them this parable: ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them,
- [URC Daily Devotion 2 March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-2-march-2025/) - Transfiguration Psalm 71In you, O Lord, I take refuge;let me never be put to shame.In your justice rescue me, free me;pay heed to me and save me.Be a rock where I can take refuge,a mighty stronghold to save me;for you are my rock, my stronghold.Free me from the hand of the wicked,from the grip of
- [URC Daily Devotion 1 March 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-1-march-2025/) - St Luke 14: 34 - 35Jesus ‘Salt is good; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored?It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure heap; they throw it away. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ReflectionIn an age where we worry about having too much salt, we
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 28th February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-28th-february-2025/) - St Luke 14: 25 - 33Now large crowds were travelling with him; and he turned and said to them, ‘Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 27th February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-27th-february-2025/) - St Luke 14: 15 - 24One of the dinner guests, on hearing this, said to him, ‘Blessed is anyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Someone gave a great dinner and invited many. At the time for the dinner he sent his slave to say to those
- [URC Daily Devotion 26 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-26-february-2025/) - St Luke 14: 7 - 14When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honour, he told them a parable. ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honour, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the
- [URC Daily Devotion 25 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-25-february-2025/) - St Luke 14: 1 - 6On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely. Just then, in front of him, there was a man who had dropsy. And Jesus asked the lawyers and Pharisees, ‘Is it
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 24 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-24-february-2025/) - St Luke 13: 31 - 35 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I
- [URC Daily Devotion Sunday 23 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-sunday-23-february-2025/) - 23 February 2025 Psalm 70 O God, make haste to my rescue,Lord, come to my aid!Let there be shame and confusionon those who seek my life. O let them turn back in confusion,who delight in my harm,let them retreat, covered with shame,who jeer at my lot. Let there be rejoicing and gladnessfor all who seek you.Let them
- [URC Daily Devotion 22 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-22-february-2025/) - Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the
- [URC Daily Devotion 21 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-21-february-2025/) - 21 February 2025 St Luke 13: 18 - 21Jesus said therefore, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its
- [URC Daily Devotion 19 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-19-february-2025/) - St Luke 13: 6 - 9Then Jesus told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, “See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I
- [Worship Notes for March](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/worship-notes-for-march/) - Worship Notes Dear Friends,Most of the Worship Notes for March have been up for a few weeks but I'm pleased to say we now have the full set including notes for Ash Wednesday. You can find the material here or by going to urc.org.uk clicking on Your Faith, then Prayer and Worship. Notes for April should
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 18 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-18-february-2025/) - St Luke 13: 1 - 5At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 17 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-17-february-2025/) - St Luke 12: 57 - 59‘And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? Thus, when you go with your accuser before a magistrate, on the way make an effort to settle the case, or you may be dragged before the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the
- [URC Daily Devotion for Sunday 16th February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-sunday-16th-february-2025/) - Save me, O God,for the waters have risen to my neck.I have sunk into the mud of the deepand there is no foothold.I have entered the waters of the deepand the waves overwhelm me.I am wearied with all my crying,my throat is parched.My eyes are wasted awayfrom looking for my God.More numerous than the hairs
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 15 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-15-february-2025/) - St Luke 12: 54 - 56He also said to the crowds, ‘When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, “It is going to rain”; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, “There will be scorching heat”; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 14 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-14-february-2025/) - St Luke 12: 49-53Jesus said ‘I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I
- [URC Daily Devotion 13 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-13-february-2025/) - St Luke 12: 41 - 48Peter said, ‘Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for everyone?’ And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and prudent manager whom his master will put in charge of his slaves, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 11 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-11-february-2025/) - St Luke 12: 22 - 34Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 10 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-10-february-2025/) - St Luke 12: 13 - 21Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.’ But he said to him, ‘Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?’ And he said to them, ‘Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of
- [Sunday Worship 9 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-9-february-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Neil Thorogood Welcome Hello. My name is Neil Thorogood, and it is my joy and privilege to welcome you to our worship from the United Reformed Church today. I am the minister of two congregations in the South Western Synod. Thornbury URC is in a market town outside Bristol. Trinity-Henleaze URC
- [Saturday 8 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/saturday-8-february-2025/) - St Luke 12: 4 - 12 Jesus said: ‘I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 7 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-7-february-2025/) - St Luke 12: 1 - 3Meanwhile, when the crowd gathered in thousands, so that they trampled on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, that is, their hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known.
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 6 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-6-february-2025/) - St Luke 11: 37 - 54While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine with him; so he went in and took his place at the table. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not first wash before dinner. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Now you Pharisees clean the outside of
- [Wednesday 5 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/wednesday-5-february-2025/) - Wednesday 5 February 2025 St Luke 11: 33 - 36 Jesus said: ‘No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar, but on the lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 4 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-4-february-2025/) - When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, ‘This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation.
- [URC Daily Devotion 3rd February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-3rd-february-2025/) - St Luke 11: 27 - 28While Jesus was saying this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!’ But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!’ReflectionIs this a bit of
- [Sunday Worship 2 February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-2-february-2025/) - worship to comfort & inspire, excite & energise Order of Service Below you will find the Order of Service, prayers, hymns and sermon for today's service. You can either simply read this or you can to listen to the service and sing along with the hymns. This will open up a new screen, at the bottom of
- [URC Daily Devotion 1st February 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-1st-february-2025/) - St Luke 11: 14 - 27Now Jesus was casting out a demon that was mute; when the demon had gone out, the one who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.’ Others, to test him, kept demanding
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 31 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-31-january-2025/) - 31 January 2025 St Luke 11: 5 - 13And he said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.” And he
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 30 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-30-january-2025/) - St Luke 11: 1 - 4Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray, say:Father, hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come.Give us each day our daily bread.And forgive
- [URC Daily Devotion 29 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-29-january-2025/) - St Luke 10: 38 - 42Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so
- [URC Daily Devotion 28th January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-28th-january-2025/) - St Luke 10: 25 - 37Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with
- [URC Daily Devotion 27th January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-27th-january-2025/) - inspiration in your inbox Monday 27 January 2025 St Luke 10: 21 - 24At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for
- [Sunday Worship 26 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-26-january-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Nicola Furley-Smith Who’s agenda?Welcome & Call to Worship Good morning and welcome to this morning's service, which comes to you from Purley United Reformed Church. My name is Nicola Furley Smith and I am the Secretary for Ministries. The Psalmist says: “How clearly the sky reveals God's glory! How plainly
- [URC Daily Devotion 25 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-25-january-2025/) - Saturday 25 January 2025 St Luke 10: 17 - 20The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all
- [URC Daily Devotion 24 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-24-january-2025/) - St Luke 10: 13 - 16Jesus said ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But at the judgement it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon
- [URC Daily Devotion 23 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-23-january-2025/) - St Luke 10: 1 - 12After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 22 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-22-january-2025/) - inspiration in your inbox Wednesday 22 January 2025 St Luke 9: 57 - 62As they were going along the road, someone said to Jesus, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 21 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-21-january-2025/) - inspiration in your inbox Tuesday 21 January 2025 St Luke 9: 51 - 56When the days drew near for Jesus to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 20 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-20-january-2025/) - St Luke 9: 49 - 50 John answered, ‘Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Do not stop him; for whoever is not against you is for you.’ Reflection What a short, punchy reading
- [Sunday Worship 19 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-19-january-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Matt Stone Introduction & Call to WorshipWelcome to our worship for this Sunday! My name is Matt Stone; I’m a URC minister in Rotherham and Doncaster. I’m the chair of GEAR – the Group for Evangelism and Renewal in the URC. As we gather to worship I’m going to share
- [Saturday 18 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/saturday-18-january-2025/) - St Luke 9: 46 - 48 An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, and said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 17 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-17-january-2025/) - St Luke 9: 43 - 45While everyone was amazed at all that he was doing, he said to his disciples, ‘Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.’ But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was concealed from them, so that they
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 16 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-16-january-2025/) - inspiration in your inbox Thursday 16 January 2025 St Luke 9: 37 - 43On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, ‘Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 15 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-15-january-2025/) - St Luke 9: 28 - 36Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking
- [URC Daily Devotion 14th January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-14th-january-2025/) - St Luke 9: 18 - 27Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, ‘Who do the crowds say that I am?’ They answered, ‘John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you
- [URC Daily Devotion 13th January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-13th-january-2025/) - inspiration in your inbox Monday 13 January 2025 St Luke 9: 10 - 17On their return the apostles told Jesus all they had done. He took them with him and withdrew privately to a city called Bethsaida. When the crowds found out about it, they followed him; and he welcomed them, and spoke to them
- [Sunday Worship 12 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-12-january-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Andy Braunston WelcomeHello and welcome to worship. Today we mark Jesus’ baptism at the start of his ministry. We’ve very little material about Jesus’ childhood and so we jump, in our Sunday readings, from the visit of the Magi straight into his baptism and public ministry. We like to
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 11th January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-11th-january-2025/) - St Luke 9: 1 - 9Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not
- [URC Daily Devotion 10th January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-10th-january-2025/) - St Luke 8: 40 - 56Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. Just then there came a man named Jairus, a leader of the synagogue. He fell at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years
- [URC Daily Devotion 9 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-9-january-2025/) - St Luke 8: 26 - 39Then they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. As Jesus stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs.
- [URC Daily Devotion 8 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-8-january-2025/) - St Luke 8: 22 - 25One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side of the lake.’ So they put out, and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A gale swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling
- [URC Daily Devotion 7 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-7-january-2025/) - St Luke 8: 19 - 21Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, ‘Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.’ But he said to them, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the
- [Daily Devotion for 6th January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-6th-january-2025/) - St Luke 8: 16 - 18‘No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known
- [Sunday Worship 5 January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-5-january-2025/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Andy Braunston WelcomeWe explore, in worship today, themes of light shining in the darkness, mysterious visitors bringing the Holy Family even more mysterious gifts, and consider how a people struggling in exile and defeat were enlightened with God’s glorious light. My name is Andy Braunston and I am the
- [URC Daily Devotion for 4th January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-for-4th-january-2025/) - St Luke 8: 4 - 15When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town came to Jesus, he said in a parable: ‘A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some
- [URC Daily Devotion 3rd January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-3rd-january-2025/) - St Luke 8: 1 - 3Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and
- [URC Daily Devotion 2nd January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-2nd-january-2025/) - St Luke 7: 36 - 50One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment.
- [URC Daily Devotion 1st January 2025](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-1st-january-2025/) - St Luke 7: 18 - 35The disciples of John reported all these things to Jesus. So John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ When the men had come to him, they said, ‘John
- [URC Daily Devotion 31 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-31-december-2024/) - St Luke 7: 11 - 17Soon afterwards Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her
- [URC Daily Devotion 30 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-30-december-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox 30 December 2024 We return to where we broke off the story before Christmas.St Luke 7: 1 - 10 After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close
- [Sunday Worship 29 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-29-december-2024/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Phil Nevard IntroductionWelcome in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit! I’m Rev’d Phil Nevard, a URC minister in South Cambridgeshire. The Sunday immediately after Christmas can sometimes feel a bit “after the Lord Mayor’s show. But however much we are flagging, God isn’t; however jaded
- [URC Daily Devotion 28 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-28-december-2024/) - St Luke 2: 39 - 40When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.ReflectionThere’s a moment near the end of the 2009 Star Trek “reboot”
- [URC Daily Devotion 27 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-27-december-2024/) - St Luke 2: 36 - 38There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with
- [URC Daily Devotion 26 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-26-december-2024/) - St Luke 2: 21 - 35After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to
- [Christmas Morning Service 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/christmas-morning-service-2024/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Dr Alex Clare-Young IntroductionHappy Christmas! My name is Alex, I’m a pioneer minister in Cambridge City Centre, and I am recording today’s sermon from Downing Place URC, Cambridge, which is the church that I work out of. For me, Christmas is a time to celebrate love, generosity, and justice.
- [Midnight Communion Service 24 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/midnight-communion-service-24-december-2024/) - Worship from the United Reformed Churchfor Christmas EveMidnight Communion Service 2024 Today’s service is led by the Revd Andy Braunston WelcomeGood evening and welcome to worship on this most holiest of nights when, with Christians around the world we gather in the dark to welcome the light. We listen again, in music and words, to the
- [URC Daily Devotion 23 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-23-december-2024/) - St Luke 1: 39 - 56In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with
- [Carol Service](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/carol-service/) - Worship from the United Reformed ChurchCarol Service 2024 Today’s service is led by the Revd Andy Braunston, Minister for Digital Worship.Opening Music Good Christians All Rejoice arranged and played by the Revd Phil Nevard and used with his kind permission.Introduction Welcome to this Carol Service where, through reading, reflection, prayer and song we will celebrate God
- [URC Daily Devotion 21 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-21-december-2024/) - St Luke 6: 46 - 49Jesus said: ‘Why do you call me “Lord, Lord”, and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 20 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-20-december-2024/) - St Luke 6: 43 - 45Jesus said: ‘No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 19 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-19-december-2024/) - St Luke 6: 37 - 42Jesus said ‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for
- [Services and Resources](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/services-and-resources/) - Services and Resources Dear Friends,On Sunday morning our service for the fourth Sunday of Advent, which I lead, will go out at the normal time of 9.45. On Sunday evening at 6pm we'll send out a Carol Service led by various members of the Church House Team. I lead a Midnight Communion Service on Christmas
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 17 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-17-december-2024/) - St Luke 6: 20 - 26Then Jesus looked up at his disciples and said:‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.‘Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.‘Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 16 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-16-december-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox Monday 16 December 2024 St Luke 6: 17 - 19Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and
- [Sunday Worship 15 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-15-december-2024/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd George Watt IntroductionHello, my name is George Watt. I am Moderator of Thames North Synod of the United Reformed Church which involves overseeing the 110 churches in North London and the surrounding counties and its ministers. I can usually be found out preaching in one of those churches every other
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 14th December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-14th-december-2024/) - St Luke 6: 12 - 16Now during those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James,
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 13th December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-13th-december-2024/) - St Luke 6: 6 - 11On another sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered.The scribes and the Pharisees watched him to see whether he would cure on the sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. Even though he knew what they
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 12th December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-12th-december-2024/) - St Luke 6: 1 - 5One sabbath while Jesus was going through the cornfields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?’ Jesus answered, ‘Have you not read what David did
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 11th December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-11th-december-2024/) - St Luke 5: 33 - 39Then they said to Jesus, ‘John’s disciples, like the disciples of the Pharisees, frequently fast and pray, but your disciples eat and drink.’ Jesus said to them, ‘You cannot make wedding-guests fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken
- [URC Daily Devotion 10 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-10-december-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox 10 December 2024 St Luke 5: 27 - 32After this Jesus went out and saw a tax-collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up, left everything, and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house;
- [URC Daily Devotion 9 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-9-december-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox 9 December 2024 St Luke 5: 17 - 26One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting nearby (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Just then some men
- [Sunday Worship 8 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-8-december-2024/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Dr Elaine Colechin Words of Scripture “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;for you will go before the Lord to prepare this ways,to give knowledge of salvation to his people.”Luke 1:76-77aWelcome and IntroductionOn this second Sunday of Advent when we are reminded of the prophets who
- [URC Daily Devotion 7 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-7-december-2024/) - St Luke 5: 12 - 16Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.’ Then Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said,
- [URC Daily Devotion 6 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-6-december-2024/) - St Luke 5: 1 - 11Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into
- [Thursday 5 December 2024 The Revd Jacky Embrey,](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/thursday-5-december-2024-the-revd-jacky-embrey/) - Thursday 5 December 2024 St Luke 4: 42 - 44 At daybreak Jesus departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of
- [Wednesday 4 December 2024 The Revd Jenny Mills,](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/wednesday-4-december-2024-the-revd-jenny-mills/) - After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. As the sun was setting, all those who had any
- [Tuesday 3 December 2024 The Revd Ruth Whitehead,](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/tuesday-3-december-2024-the-revd-ruth-whitehead/) - Tuesday 3 December 2024 St Luke 4: 31 - 37 He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he
- [Monday 2 December 2024 Kirsty-Ann Mabbott,](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/monday-2-december-2024-kirsty-ann-mabbott/) - Monday 2 December 2024 St Luke 4: 22 - 30All spoke well of Jesus and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’ He said to them, ‘Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, “Doctor, cure yourself!” And you will say, “Do here also
- [Sunday Worship 1 December 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-1-december-2024/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Andy BraunstonWelcome Songs, poems, and writing all have multiple ways of interpreting them. Bono, from the band U2, wrote the song Tomorrow about those who had died in the Troubles in Northern Ireland – the black cars at the side of the road and the knock at the door
- ['twas the night before Advent](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/twas-the-night-before-advent/) - Advent Resources and More... Dear Friends,All our Advent and Christmas resources, including prayers for the lighting of Advent Candles, have been loaded up to the Worship Notes page here now. We hope you find these useful as Advent and Christmas services are planned. Over the next couple of weeks the January material will be published
- [URC Daily Devotion 29 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-29-november-2024/) - St Luke 4: 1 - 13Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him,
- [URC Daily Devotion 28 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-28-november-2024/) - St Luke 3: 23 - 38Jesus was about thirty years old when he began his work. He was the son (as was thought) of Joseph son of Heli, son of Matthat, son of Levi, son of Melchi, son of Jannai, son of Joseph, son of Mattathias, son of Amos, son of Nahum, son of Esli,
- [URC Daily Devotion 27 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-27-november-2024/) - St Luke 3: 21 - 22Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am
- [URC Daily Devotion 26 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-26-november-2024/) - St Luke 3: 1 - 20In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 25 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-25-november-2024/) - St Luke 2: 41 - 52Now every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did
- [Sunday Worship 24 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-24-november-2024/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Nicky Gilbert IntroductionWelcome to this service for 24th of November the day for the traditional feast of Christ the King. I am Nicky Gilbert, a non-stipendiary Area Minister in the Wessex Synod on the south coast of England. As we near the season of Advent, we join together to
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 23 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-23-november-2024/) - Luke 1: 67 - 80Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy:‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favourably on his people and redeemed them.He has raised up a mighty saviour for usin the house of his servant David,as he spoke through the mouth
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 22 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-22-november-2024/) - St Luke 1: 57 - 66Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 21 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-21-november-2024/) - St Luke 1: 5 - 24In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 20th November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-20th-november-2024/) - St Luke 1: 1 - 4Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very
- [St Luke's Gospel](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/st-lukes-gospel/) - St Luke's Gospel Dear Friends,It has been deeply moving to read so many of your comments and experiences over the last 10 days in response to the series on Safeguarding and the worship materials for last Sunday. As ever these series are planned, and written, months in advance; it was timely (but accidental), then, that
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 18th November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-18th-november-2024/) - 1 Timothy 3: 1 - 13The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. He must manage
- [Sunday Worship 17 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-17-november-2024/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Andy Braunston IntroductionHello and welcome to worship for Safeguarding Sunday. As we hear Tracy Chapman’s haunting song about domestic violence fade away we think about this year’s theme for Safeguarding Sunday “let’s talk about it”. For some this will mean talking about what’s happened to them, for others it’s
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 16th November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-16th-november-2024/) - 2 Samuel 11: 1-5, 26: 12:7In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel with him; they ravaged the Ammonites, and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. It happened, late one afternoon, when David rose from his couch and was
- [Advent Worship Resources](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/advent-worship-resources/) - Advent Worship Resources Dear Friends,First, as you may realise Daily Devotions are written ahead of time - to allow editing, formatting into emails, recording to Podcasts and to allow our Communications Team to develop graphics and share them on social media. When I wrote the current series on Safeguarding I had no idea they would
- [URC Daily Devotion 14 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-14-november-2024/) - Safeguarding 4 Forgiveness – the last step? St Matthew 6: 9-14 Jesus said: ‘Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come.Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.And do
- [URC Daily Devotion 13 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-13-november-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox 13 November 2024 Safeguarding 3Speaking the truth in love – What do we need to know about ourselves? Ephesians 4: 14 - 16 We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the
- [URC Daily Devotion 12 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-12-november-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox 12 November 2024 Safeguarding 2 Good and Bad Shepherds Ezekiel 34: 1 - 10 The word of the Lord came to me: Mortal, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel: prophesy, and say to them—to the shepherds: Thus says the Lord God: Ah, you shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not
- [URC Daily Devotion 11 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-11-november-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox 11 November 2024 Safeguarding 1 Nothing Is Covered Up That Will Not Be Uncovered St Luke 12: 2 – 3 Jesus said: “Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light,
- [Sunday Worship 10 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-10-november-2024/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Lance Stone IntroductionHello and welcome to this online service. My name is Lance Stone and I am a retired URC minister who has served the church in London and in Cambridge, as well as ministering in the Church of Scotland in Aberdeen and in Amsterdam.Call to Worship God is our
- [URC Daily Devotion 9 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-9-november-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox Saturday 9 November 2024 James 5: 13 - 20Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the
- [URC Daily Devotion 8 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-8-november-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox Friday 8 November 2024 James 5: 7 - 12Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the
- [URC Daily Devotion 7 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-7-november-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox Thursday 7 November 2024 James 5: 1 - 6Come now, you rich people, weep and wail for the miseries that are coming to you. Your riches have rotted, and your clothes are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be evidence against you, and it will eat
- [URC Daily Devotion 6 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-6-november-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox Wednesday 6 November 2024 James 4: 13 - 17Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money.’ Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you
- [Tuesday 5 November 2024 The Revd Jacky Embrey,](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/tuesday-5-november-2024-the-revd-jacky-embrey/) - Tuesday 5 November 2024 James 4: 11 - 12Do not speak evil against one another, brothers and sisters. Whoever speaks evil against another or judges another, speaks evil against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one
- [Monday 4 November 2024 The Revd John A Young,](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/monday-4-november-2024-the-revd-john-a-young/) - Monday 4 November 2024 James 4: 1 - 10 Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you
- [Sunday Worship 3 November 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-3-november-2024/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Andy Braunston WelcomeHello and welcome to worship. Today we think about both All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days which were celebrated yesterday and Friday. These are times of the Church’s year to think about those who have gone before us and whose lives, love, and examples inspire us to
- [Saturday 2 November 2024 The Revd Gwen Collins](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/saturday-2-november-2024-the-revd-gwen-collins/) - Saturday 2 November 2024James 3: 13 - 18 Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not
- [Friday 1 November 2024 The Revd Terry Hinks](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/friday-1-november-2024-the-revd-terry-hinks/) - Friday 1 November 2024 James 3: 1 - 12 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body
- [URC Daily Devotion 31 October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-31-october-2024/) - James 2: 18 - 26 But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder. Do you want to be shown, you senseless person, that
- [URC Daily Devotion 30 October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-30-october-2024/) - James 2: 14 - 17What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill’, and
- [URC Daily Devotion 29 October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-29-october-2024/) - James 2: 8 - 13You do well if you really fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable
- [URC Daily Devotion 28 October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-28-october-2024/) - James 2: 1 - 7My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favouritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of
- [Sunday Worship 27 October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-27-october-2024/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Mark Rodgers WelcomeWelcome to Sunday worship on this, the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost. I’m the Revd Mark Rodgers and I’m one of two stipendiary ministers in the URC Shropshire pastorate. It is good to welcome you all here today, as all of you are welcome in the name of
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 26th October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-26th-october-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox Saturday 26th October 2024 James 1: 22 - 27But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going
- [Daily Devotion for Friday 25th October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-friday-25th-october-2024/) - James 1: 19 - 21You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 24 October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-24-october-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox Thursday 24 October 2024 James 1: 17 - 18Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfilment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 23 October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-23-october-2024/) - James 1: 12 - 16Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. No one, when tempted, should say, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he
- [URC Daily Devotion 22 October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-22-october-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox 22 October 2024 James 1: 9 - 11Let the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up, and the rich in being brought low, because the rich will disappear like a flower in the field. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the field; its flower falls, and
- [URC Daily Devotion 21 October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-21-october-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox Monday 21 October 2024 James 1: 1 - 8To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you
- [The Epistle of James](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/the-epistle-of-james/) - The Epistle of James Dear Friends,I hope the reflections on difficult times I put together over the last two weeks have stimulated thought as we ponder how to navigate the times in which we live. It's been good to hear so many responses from you.We now turn to the Epistle of James. James is known as
- [Daily Devotion for Saturday 19th October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-saturday-19th-october-2024/) - Psalm 146Praise the Lord!Praise the Lord, O my soul!I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God all my life long.Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help.When their breath departs, they return to the earth; on that very day their plans perish.Happy
- [Daily Devotion for Friday 18th October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-friday-18th-october-2024/) - Philippians 3:17 - 21Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is
- [Daily Devotion for Thursday 17th October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-thursday-17th-october-2024/) - Thursday 17 October 2024Reflections on Difficult Times 10 - My Kingdom is Not of This WorldSt John 18: 28-37Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. So
- [Daily Devotion for Wednesday 16th October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-wednesday-16th-october-2024/) - St Luke 4: 1 - 13Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him,
- [Daily Devotion for Tuesday 15th October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-tuesday-15th-october-2024/) - St John 18: 38Pilate asked Jesus, ‘What is truth?’ReflectionWhen I was a child there were fewer sources of news. Just three TV channels - and I’m pretty sure BBC2 didn’t have an early evening news programme. More people read newspapers whose ideologies were memorably satirised by the TV comedy Yes Minister. Fewer read newspapers now
- [Daily Devotion for Monday 14th October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-monday-14th-october-2024/) - Monday 14 October 2024Reflections on Difficult Times 7 - Neither Jew nor GentileGalatians 3: 27 - 28As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you
- [Sunday Worship 13 October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-13-october-2024/) - For each of these days we bring our thanks, knowing and trusting that God has been with us. As we worship we celebrate that God is with us each and every day. God is with us now. Hymn New Every Morning is the LoveJohn Keeble 1822 Public Domain sung by the choir of St
- [Daily Devotion for Saturday 12th October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-saturday-12th-october-2024/) - Saturday 12 October 2024Reflections on Difficult Times 6 - The aliens in the LandGenesis 15:13Then the Lord said to Abram, ‘Know this for certain, that your offspring shall be aliens in a land that is not theirs, and shall be slaves there, and they shall be oppressed for four hundred years;Leviticus 19:34The alien who resides
- [Daily Devotion for Friday 11th October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-friday-11th-october-2024/) - St Luke 10: 15 - 37Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with
- [Daily Devotion for Thursday 10th October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-thursday-10th-october-2024/) - Acts 2: 1 - 13When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested
- [Daily Devotion for Wednesday 9th October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-wednesday-9th-october-2024/) - Genesis 11: 1 - 9Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as they migrated from the east, they came upon a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, ‘Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.’ And they had brick for
- [Daily Devotion for Tuesday 8th October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-tuesday-8th-october-2024/) - Genesis 1: 26 - 27Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that
- [Daily Devotion for Monday 7th October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-monday-7th-october-2024/) - Monday 7 October 2024 Reflections on Difficult Times 1 - Perfect Love Casts Out All Fear I John 4: 16b - 21God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgement,
- [Reflections on Difficult Times](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/reflections-on-difficult-times/) - Reflections on Difficult Times Dear Friends,I hope you enjoyed John Matthews' reflections on Bonhoeffer over the last week. Bonhoeffer is a theologian whose ideas seem very attractive to the contemporary Church.Over the next two weeks we are going to be looking at Biblical ideas (some of which inspired Bonhoeffer) as we think about the times
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 5th October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-5th-october-2024/) - Mark 10.45 The Son of Man came not to be serve but to serve…Philippians 2:5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…ReflectionBonhoeffer did a great deal of writing during his two years in prison, much of it published as ‘Letters and Papers from Prison’. It includes an ‘Outline for a Book’
- [URC Daily Devotion 4 October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-4-october-2024/) - 4 October 2024 Bonhoeffer 5 The Imitation of ChristRomans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds… Galatians 4:19 My little children for whom I am again in the pain of childbirth until Christ is formed in you… ReflectionChristian discipleship is sometimes spoken of in terms of our imitating Christ
- [URC Daily Devotion 3 October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-3-october-2024/) - Bonhoeffer 4 WisdomJames 3:13-17Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but
- [Booklets for October and November](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/booklets-for-october-and-november/) - Booklets for October and November Dear Friends,After Sunday's Psalm we start a two week series I have written looking at how our faith has a variety of resources to sustain us in the difficult times in which we live. The large print version is here.The A5 version is here.We then move into the Epistle to James
- [URC Daily Devotion 1 October 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-1-october-2024/) - Tuesday, 1 October 2024Bonhoeffer 2 - Gratitude 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-17 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ for you. ReflectionFrom 1935-37 Bonhoeffer led an illegal seminary, training pastors of the Confessing Church, which opposed Hitler. His short book entitled ‘Life Together’ expresses the ethos
- [Monday 30th September 2024 Reverend John Matthews](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/monday-30th-september-2024-reverend-john-matthews/) - St Mark 8:31-38 Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke
- [Bonhoeffer](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/bonhoeffer/) - Bonhoeffer Dear Friends,I hope you have found Allen Creedy's reflections over the last week moving; we keep him in our prayers.Over the next week we are going to be exploring, with John Matthews a retired Baptist minister and member of Wellingborough URC, some ideas from Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer (4 February 1906 – 9 April 1945) was a German Lutheran pastor,
- [Intercessions](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/intercessions/) - Intercessions for Tomorrow Dear Friends,In addition to the intercessions in this week's Worship Notes, the Revd Helen Everard has prepared some which can be downloaded here.With every good wishAndyThe Rev'd Andy BraunstonMinister for Digital Worship
- [Daily Devotion for Friday 27th September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-friday-27th-september-2024/) - Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭30‬ ‭“Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”ReflectionLuke reminds the apostles and followers of Jesus that we are commanded to pray for healing from suffering, But it is clear that even though we may have faith, quite what response there is to
- [Daily Devotion for Thursday 26th September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-thursday-26th-september-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox Thursday 26 September 2024 Witness through Suffering Romans‬ ‭5‬: ‭3‬-‭5‬ ‬‬ “…..but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy
- [Worship Notes for November released](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/worship-notes-for-november-released/) - Worship Notes for November released(and a reminder about October's!) Dear Friends,We have now loaded up the Worship Notes for November and I thought I'd remind you of October's material.You can find the Worship Notes by going to the URC website urc.org.uk then going to Your Faith and then clicking on Prayer and Worship. Worship Notes are
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 24 September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-24-september-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox Tuesday 24 September 2024 Suffering Job 7: 1-6 Do not mortals have hard service on earth? Are not their days like those of hired labourers? Like a slave longing for the evening shadows, or a hired labourer waiting to be paid, so I have been allotted months of futility, and nights of
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday 23 September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-23-september-2024/) - Genesis 3:17-19“Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to
- [Sunday Worship 22 September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-22-september-2024/) - Sunday Worship from the United Reformed Churchfor Sunday 22 September 2024 Today’s service is led by the Revd Nigel Uden WelcomeHello, my name is Nigel Uden and I’m recording this service for 22nd September 2024 in Downing Place United Reformed Church in Cambridge. I’m privileged to be the minister here and at Fulwood URC a few
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 21st September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-21st-september-2024/) - 1 Corinthians 12:4-7Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. Reflection‘Every member
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 20th September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-20th-september-2024/) - Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.Reflection Ministry is my calling; it allows me to contribute to the world according
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 19th September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-19th-september-2024/) - St Mark 6:1-6Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 18th September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-18th-september-2024/) - 1 Peter 4:10-11 Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things
- [URC Daily Devotion 17 September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-17-september-2024/) - Ephesians 4: 6-8, 11-16 (Good News Translation)Each one of us has received a special gift in proportion to what Christ has given. As the scripture says: “When he went up to the very heights, he took many captives with him; he gave gifts to people.” It was he who “gave gifts to people”; he appointed
- [URC Daily Devotion 16 September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-16-september-2024/) - Isaiah 6:6-8Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said, “Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.” Then I heard the
- [Sunday Worship 15 September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-15-september-2024/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Sarah MooreIntroduction Hello. My name is Sarah Moore, and I currently serve as Transition Minister in the National Synod of Scotland. At present I am working closely with Aberdeen United Reformed Church and with Morningside United Church, a local ecumenical partnership of the United Reformed Church and the Church
- [Daily Devotion Saturday 14th September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-saturday-14th-september-2024/) - Genesis 12:1-5The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you;I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.I will bless those who bless you,
- [URC Daily Devotion 13 September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-13-september-2024/) - Daniel 12: 5 - 13Then I, Daniel, looked, and two others appeared, one standing on this bank of the stream and one on the other. One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was upstream, ‘How long shall it be until the end of these wonders?’ The man clothed in linen, who
- [Sunday Intercessions](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-intercessions/) - Sunday Intercessions Dear Friends,I have been working in London and now in Glasgow this week so have had limited access to emails. The Revd Ruth Watson has kindly written intercessions for this coming Sunday and I m pleased to send them out, below.Remember Worship Notes are available for every week until the end of October
- [Daily Devotion for Wednesday 11th September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotion-for-wednesday-11th-september-2024/) - Daniel 11As for me, in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to support and strengthen him.‘Now I will announce the truth to you. Three more kings shall arise in Persia. The fourth shall be far richer than all of them, and when he has become strong through his riches, he shall
- [Tuesday, 10 September 2024 Lorraine Webb,](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/tuesday-10-september-2024-lorraine-webb/) - Daniel 10In the third year of King Cyrus of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. The word was true, and it concerned a great conflict. He understood the word, having received understanding in the vision. At that time I, Daniel, had been mourning for three weeks. I had eaten no
- [Monday, 9 September 2024 The Revd Neil Thorogood,](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/monday-9-september-2024-the-revd-neil-thorogood/) - Daniel 9: 20 - 27While I was speaking, and was praying and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God on behalf of the holy mountain of my God — while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen before
- [Sunday Worship 8 September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-8-september-2024/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Martin Knight Welcome My friends, you are warmly welcome to this service of worship, as we sing and pray and engage with God’s word, and are embraced as bread and wine are shared. My name is Martin Knight and in June, I moved, to serve as Chaplain to
- [URC Daily Devotion 7 September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-7-september-2024/) - Daniel 9: 1 - 19In the first year of Darius son of Ahasuerus, by birth a Mede, who became king over the realm of the Chaldeans— in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the Lord to the prophet Jeremiah,
- [URC Daily Devotion 6 September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-6-september-2024/) - Daniel 8: 15 - 27When I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I tried to understand it. Then someone appeared standing before me, having the appearance of a man, and I heard a human voice by the Ulai, calling, ‘Gabriel, help this man understand the vision.’ So he came near where I stood; and when he
- [URC Daily Devotion 5 September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-5-september-2024/) - Daniel 8: 1 - 14In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar a vision appeared to me, Daniel, after the one that had appeared to me at first. In the vision I was looking and saw myself in Susa the capital, in the province of Elam, and I was by the river Ulai.
- [URC Daily Devotion 4 September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-4-september-2024/) - Daniel 7: 15 - 28As for me, Daniel, my spirit was troubled within me, and the visions of my head terrified me. I approached one of the attendants to ask him the truth concerning all this. So he said that he would disclose to me the interpretation of the matter: ‘As for these four great
- [URC Daily Devotion 3 September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-3-september-2024/) - Daniel 7: 1 - 14In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head as he lay in bed. Then he wrote down the dream: I, Daniel, saw in my vision by night the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea, and four great beasts
- [URC Daily Devotion 2 September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-2-september-2024/) - Daniel 6: 19 - 28Then, at break of day, the king got up and hurried to the den of lions. When he came near the den where Daniel was, he cried out anxiously to Daniel, ‘O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you faithfully serve been able to deliver you from
- [Sunday Worship 1 September 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-1-september-2024/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Andy Braunston WelcomeWelcome to worship for this the first Sunday of Creationtide. Over 30 years ago the then Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople asked Christians and all believers to pray for the environment on the 1st of September. This has become now an ecumenical season of the Church’s year lasting
- [Saturday 31st August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/saturday-31st-august-2024/) - Although Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he continued to go to his house, which had windows in its upper room open towards Jerusalem, and to get down on his knees three times a day to pray to his God and praise him, just as he had done previously. The conspirators came and
- [Friday 30th August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/friday-30th-august-2024/) - Daniel 6: 1 - 8 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, stationed throughout the whole kingdom,and over them three presidents, including Daniel; to these the satraps gave account, so that the king might suffer no loss. Soon Daniel distinguished himself above all the other presidents and satraps because
- [Thursday 29th August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/thursday-29th-august-2024/) - Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king said to Daniel, ‘So you are Daniel, one of the exiles of Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah? I have heard of you that a spirit of the gods is in you, and that enlightenment, understanding, and excellent wisdom are found in
- [URC Daily Devotion 28 August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-28-august-2024/) - Daniel 5: 1 - 12King Belshazzar made a great festival for a thousand of his lords, and he was drinking wine in the presence of the thousand.Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar commanded that they bring in the vessels of gold and silver that his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple in
- [URC Daily Devotion 27 August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-27-august-2024/) - Daniel 4: 34 - 37When that period was over, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me.I blessed the Most High, and praised and honoured the one who lives for ever.For his sovereignty is an everlasting sovereignty, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation.All the inhabitants of
- [URC Daily Devotion 26 August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-26-august-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox 26 August 2024 Daniel 4: 28 - 33All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, and the king said, ‘Is this not magnificent Babylon, which I have built as a royal capital by my mighty
- [Sunday Worship 25 August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-25-august-2024/) - Today’s service is led by Roo StewartHymn The Canticle of the Turning Rory Cooney GIA © Publications 1990 OneLicence # A-734713. Sung by the Virtual Choir of Creator Lutheran Church My soul cries out with a joyful shoutthat the God of my heart is greatand my spirit sings of the wondrous thingsthat you bring to
- [URC Daily Devotion 24 August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-24-august-2024/) - inspiration in your inbox 24 August 2024 Daniel 4: 19 - 27Then Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar, was severely distressed for a while. His thoughts terrified him. The king said, ‘Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or the interpretation terrify you.’ Belteshazzar answered, ‘My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you, and
- [URC Daily Devotion 23 August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-23-august-2024/) - Daniel 4: 1 - 18King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages that live throughout the earth: May you have abundant prosperity! The signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me I am pleased to recount.How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders!His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his sovereignty is
- [URC Daily Devotion 22 August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-22-august-2024/) - Daniel 3: 19 - 30Then Nebuchadnezzar was so filled with rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face was distorted. He ordered the furnace to be heated up seven times more than was customary, and ordered some of the strongest guards in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and to throw them
- [URC Daily Devotion 21 August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-21-august-2024/) - Daniel 3: 1 - 16King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue whose height was sixty cubits and whose width was six cubits; he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent for the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counsellors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates,
- [URC Daily Devotion 20 August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-20-august-2024/) - Daniel 2: 46 - 49Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, worshipped Daniel, and commanded that a grain-offering and incense be offered to him. The king said to Daniel, ‘Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery!’ Then
- [URC Daily Devotion 19 August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-19-august-2024/) - Daniel 2: 17-45Then Daniel went to his home and informed his companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions with the rest of the wise men of Babylon might not perish. Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel
- [Sunday Worship 18 August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-18-august-2024/) - Today’s service is led by the Revd Angela Rigby WelcomeHello and welcome to our worship service. My name is Rev Angela Rigby, and I am the minister serving churches in Sevenoaks and Tonbridge. It’s August. Are you making hay whilst the sun shines? Or perhaps saying “it never rains, but it pours?” Looking for the promised
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday 17th August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-17th-august-2024/) - Daniel 2: 1 - 16In the second year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar dreamed such dreams that his spirit was troubled and his sleep left him. So the king commanded that the magicians, the enchanters, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans be summoned to tell the king his dreams. When they came in and stood before the
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday 16th August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-16th-august-2024/) - Daniel 1: 1 - 21In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. The Lord let King Jehoiakim of Judah fall into his power, as well as some of the vessels of the house of God. These he brought to the land
- [URC Daily Devotion Thursday 15th August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-thursday-15th-august-2024/) - Esther 9: 18 - 10: 3But the Jews who were in Susa gathered on the thirteenth day and on the fourteenth, and rested on the fifteenth day, making that a day of feasting and gladness. Therefore the Jews of the villages, who live in the open towns, hold the fourteenth day of the month of
- [URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 14th August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-wednesday-14th-august-2024/) - Esther 9: 1 - 17Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, when the king’s command and edict were about to be executed, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain power over them, but which had been changed to a day when
- [URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 13th August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-tuesday-13th-august-2024/) - Esther 8On that day King Ahasuerus gave to Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews; and Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told what he was to her. Then the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. So Esther
- [URC Daily Devotion Monday, 12 August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-monday-12-august-2024/) - Esther 6:14 - 7: 10While they were still talking with him, the king’s eunuchs arrived and hurried Haman off to the banquet that Esther had prepared. So the king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther. On the second day, as they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, ‘What is
- [Sunday Worship 11 August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/sunday-worship-11-august-2024/) - Today’s service is led by Peter Ranscombe Call to WorshipIn the beginning was the one who is called the Word. he Word was with God, and was truly God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. And with this Word, God created all things. Nothing was made without the Word. Everything that was created
- [URC Daily Devotion Saturday, 10 August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-saturday-10-august-2024/) - Esther 6: 1 - 13That night the king could not sleep, and he gave orders to bring the book of records, the annals, and they were read to the king. It was found written how Mordecai had told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had conspired
- [URC Daily Devotion Friday, 9 August 2024](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotion-friday-9-august-2024/) - Esther 5: 9 - 14Haman went out that day happy and in good spirits. But when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, and observed that he neither rose nor trembled before him, he was infuriated with Mordecai; nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. Then he sent and called for his friends and his

## Pages

- [New Homepage](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/)
- [Leeds URC Partnership](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/leeds-urc-partnership/) - LUP Prayer Diary 2026 What is the Leeds United Reformed Church Partnership? The Leeds United Reformed Church Partnership officially came into being, (after several years of discussions), on 7th May 2022, when a service of inauguration was held at St Andrew’s Roundhay United Reformed Church, led by the Yorkshire Synod Moderator, Revd Jamie Kissack. During
- [Safeguarding Policy](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/safeguarding-policy/)
- [Safeguarding](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/safeguarding/) - Safeguarding Policy Statement 2021Appendix_A1_Safeguarding_Policy_Statement Joint_safeguardingcoordinator_poster_-_accessible
- [Belle Isle](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/belle-isle/) - Our Belle Isle address for Sunday morning worship is: Nesfield Road, Belle Isle, Leeds, LS10 3LG; We look forward to welcoming you to our services. You can check the map below to get directions to the church.
- [Banner Gallery](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/banner-gallery/) - We have been fortunate to have Jessica Isherwood as a member of this church in the past and she and a group of dedicated crafters have built up for us a marvelous collection of banners for the church.
- [Contact our Elder in Local Leadership](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/contact-us/) - See below to contact our Elder in Local Leadership, Alex Walker.
- [MiCaNews](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/leeds-mission-care-grouppartnership/)
- [History](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/history/) - The United Reformed Church in South Leeds was formed in 2002 by the coming together of 3 churches, i.e. Belle-Isle, Dewsbury Road and Salem. At that time we were in vacancy and it was recognised that it was never going to be an easy amalgamation with many ups and downs and, whilst we expected a
- [Data Privacy Statement](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/date-privacy-statement/) - Data Privacy Statement
- [Prayer Requests](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/prayer-requests/) - We believe that our prayer life is very important and so you can send us a prayer request if there is anything you would like us to pray for (all prayer requests are treated as confidential, and are seen only by the prayer team). We also have a quiet room for personal prayer. You can
- [Worship](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/worship/) - We are a small congregation - 16 members and 5 friends of the church - with a strong sense of commitment and mission. Sunday worship is often traditional but sometimes more innovative with cafe style or other formats. We use the Rejoice and Sing Hymn Book and the Good News Bible, and members of the
- [Dewsbury Road Charity Shop](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/dewsbury-road-charity-shop/) - The address for our Charity Shop is: Oakley Terrace/Dewsbury Road, Leeds, LS11 5HR
- [How to find us](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/how-to-find-us-2/) - Get directions to the church
- [Room Hire](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/room-hire-2/) - We have rooms for hire at competitive rates. We are without a room-letting secretary for the moment so in the first instance please email Hulahoo_tc@hotmail.com. We have a variety of room sizes available at both our sites - Belle Isle and Dewsbury Road. Belle Isle Rooms
- [Links](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/links/) - more of the organisations which are important in the life of this church URC Yorkshire Synod
- [Daily Devotions](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/daily-devotions/)
- [URC Daily Devotions](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/urc-daily-devotions/)
- [Church Newsletter](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/church-newsletter-2/) - We publish a bi-monthly Newsletter and here are the most recent:
- [Events and Excursions](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/events-and-excursions/) - The Dalmally Hotel Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery and set in three acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, The Dalmally Hotel is a true haven. Commanding breathtaking views from Dalmally village in the heart of Strathorchy the hotel is perfectly situated to make the most of the historical, cultural and natural delights of Argyll and Bute.
- [Elders](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/elders-2/) - Elders are elected by the members of individual United Reformed Churches, and our Elders serve this church for a period of three years before offering themselves for re-election. After serving two terms Elders stand down until re-elected. Here Elders meet on a monthly basis to discuss all aspects of the Church’s life. Their main focus
- [Thoughts on Mission](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/thoughts-on-mission/) - Our Mission Statement We are God’s family through the common bond of faith in Jesus Christ. In gratitude for God’s love and grace, and empowered by The Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in love, to worship God faithfully, to nurture one another, to share the Good News, and to stand alongside all people,
- [Trinity Network](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/who-we-are/) - The South Leeds Team Ministry Charity Limited was set up a number of years ago by the United Reformed Churches in South Leeds. This allowed the church to operate a number of community projects within the area and enabled them to access grants from a number of funding agencies. The Elders of the churches are
- [Gallery](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/gallery/) - We asked our members to select some photos that expressed something about their spirituality. These are the ones they chose. Click to see the full size images in a lightbox. Isn't this a stunning gallery? You can create galleries like this one quickly and easily. This one took 5 minutes to build. All the nifty
- [About us](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/about-us-2/)
- [Room Hire](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/room-hire/) - We currently let rooms on the following basis per session (i.e. morning, afternoon, or evening): Room Capacity Cost/Regular Cost/Occasional Church 200 £69 £80 Main Hall 140 £37 £46 Minor Hall 45 £22 £28 Meeting Room 25 £11 £15 Lounge 31 £11 £15 Vestry - £11 £15 Reception Area - - - Kitchen - - -
- [Calendar](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/calendar/)
- [Church Life](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/church-life/)
- [Home](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/home/)

## Events

- [1st Sunday in Advent](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/1st-sunday-in-advent/) - We are pleased to invite our friends from Beeston Hill United Are Church, Terri Raddings, to lead us in worship on this first Sunday in Advent. Please come ands join us to support Terri and stay for a chat and refreshments afterwards if you are able.
- [Meet & Greet The Moderator](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/meet-greet-the-moderator/) - We are pleased that the Moderator of Yorkshire Synod of the United Reformed Church is visiting us with a team of friends from the Leeds Mission & Care/Partnership. They are eager to hear from all of us connected to the church, so please come along if it is at all possible - we want them
- [Elders Meeting](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/elders-meeting-2/) - The date of the Elders meeting has changed to 24th November. Please pray for them at 7.30 as they meet to discuss issues of importance to your church.
- [Sunday Morning Worship](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/sunday-morning-worship-3/) - Our own church secretary, Anne Parker, will be leading our worship this morning. Please join us if you can and stay for refreshments and a chat afterwards.
- [Remembrance Sunday](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/remembrance-sunday/) - Please join us for our Remembrance Sunday Service. We will once again have our brass plaques on display commemorating some of the fallen who were attached to the churches we represent now. The service will be led by our Pastor Alex Walker and will include 2 minutes silence at 11am. There will be time to
- [SLTM AGM](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/sltm-agm/) - Today is the Annual General Meeting of the church's charity - South Leeds Team Ministry Charity Ltd - and this is an open meeting. You are very welcome to come and then enjoy jam and cream scones with a cup of tea afterwards. It will be held in the Trinity Network part of our building.
- [How to Pray - Final Session 8](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/how-to-pray-final-session-8/) - Come and join us for Session 8 of our 'How to Pray' course. This session is entitled 'Spiritual Warfare' and is led as usual by our Pastor Alex Walker. The format is the same, i.e. opening prayer - video - chance to discuss - closing prayers
- [How to Pray Session 7](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/how-to-pray-session-7/) - Come and join us for Session 7 of our 'How to Pray' course. This session is entitled 'Listening ' and is led as usual by our Pastor Alex Walker. The format is the same, i.e. opening prayer - video - chance to discuss - closing prayers
- [How to Pray Session 6](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/how-to-pray-session-6/) - Come and join us for Session 6 of our 'How to Pray' course. This session is entitled 'Contemplation' and is led as usual by our Pastor Alex Walker. The format is the same, i.e. opening prayer - video - chance to discuss - closing prayers
- [Dewsbury Road Community Charity Shop is Open](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/dewsbury-road-community-charity-shop-is-open-9/) - We are now displaying some of our Christmas items - one offs many of them, so don't miss your bargain purchase
- [Dewsbury Road Community Charity Shop is Open](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/dewsbury-road-community-charity-shop-is-open-8/) - We are now displaying some of our Christmas items - one offs many of them, so don't miss your bargain purchase
- [Dewsbury Road Community Charity Shop is Open](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/dewsbury-road-community-charity-shop-is-open-7/) - We are now displaying some of our Christmas items - one offs many of them, so don't miss your bargain purchase
- [Dewsbury Road Community Charity Shop is Open](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/dewsbury-road-community-charity-shop-is-open-6/) - We are now displaying some of our Christmas items - one offs many of them, so don't miss your bargain purchase
- [Dewsbury Road Community Charity Shop is Open](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/dewsbury-road-community-charity-shop-is-open-5/) - We are now displaying some of our Christmas items - one offs many of them, so don't miss your bargain purchase
- [Sunday Morning Worship](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/sunday-morning-worship-2/) - We are pleased to invite our friend from Knaresborough URC, Helen Windsor, to lead our worship today. We are now serving refreshments after worship, so please stay if you can.
- [Elders' Meeting](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/elders-meeting/) - Please pray for the Elders as they meeting to discuss items of importance within this local church.
- [Dewsbury Road Community Charity Shop is Open](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/dewsbury-road-community-charity-shop-is-open/) - Get geared for Autumn with a new outfit and something for the house. Browse our rails - new stock in each week. Don't let someone else get your bargains!
- [Sunday Morning Worship](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/sunday-morning-worship/) - We are pleased to invite back our friend Terri Raddings to lead us in worship this week. Please join us if you can to support Terri. Refreshments will be served after the service so please stay if you can.
- [Harvest Festival](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/harvest-festival/) - Come and join us for this festive event. Donations will be for the food bank. Alex Walker will be our worship leader. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be served after the service
- [Dewsbury Road Community Charity Shop is open](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/dewsbury-road-community-charity-shop-is-open-4/) - Come along and call in to see what we have waiting for you.
- [Dewsbury Road Community Charity Shop is open](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/dewsbury-road-community-charity-shop-is-open-3/) - Come and browse our rails and see what you can find.
- ['How to Pray' Session 2](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/how-to-pray-course/) - Session 2- Adoration 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name' 'How to Pray' by Pete Grieg. Course presenter Alex Walker. For this week only we are having the session on Tuesday instead of the usual Monday as Alex has to be in London on Monday. It will be session 2. Last week we found
- ['How to Pray' Session 3](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/how-to-pray-session-3/) - Session 3 - Petition 'Give us this day our daily bread' Join us this morning as we explore 'How to Pray' referencing The Lord's Prayer. The sessions have a video to watch and then there is the opportunity for discussion and questions. The course is presented by our Elder in Local Leadership, Alex Walker. Refreshments
- ['How to Pray' Session 4](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/how-to-pray-session-4/) - Session 4 - Intercession 'Your kingdom come'. Presented by Alex Walker. Video, discussion and time for questions. Refreshments on arrival at Belle Isle. Please join us if you can.
- [Dewsbury Road Community Charity Shop is Open](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/dewsbury-road-community-charity-shop-is-open-2/) - Plenty of one-off bargains for you. Don't miss out.
- [Holy Communion](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/holy-communion-4/) - Please join us for our Sunday worship which will be a service of Holy Communion with our newly commissioned Elder in Local Leadership, Alex Walker. We begin at 10.45am and will be pleased to welcome you
- [Sunday Morning Worship](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/sunday-morning-worship-7/) - We are pleased to have as our worship leader this week, John Eveleigh from The Bridge Church in Otley. John has led worship for us a few times before the pandemic and it will be good to welcome him back. Please join us if you can. Refreshments will be served after the service.
- [Dewsbury Road Community Charity Shop Open](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/event/dewsbury-road-community-charity-shop-open-10/) - Get geared for Spring with a new outfit and something for the house. Browse our rails - new stock in each week. Don't let someone else get your bargains!

## Categories

- [URC Daily Devotions](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/category/urc-daily-devotions/)

## Event Categories

- [Church Events](https://urcinsouthleeds.org.uk/events/category/church-events/)